Garlic is undeniably a potent ingredient in cooking. Without it, food will taste rather untantalising to the tastebuds even if salt and pepper are added to it. It has many medicinal properties as it acts as a natural anti-oxident, assists in lowering cholestrol levels, protects against cancer, fights the common cold and wards off a number of bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, and Cryptococcal meningitis.
I use garlic in many of the dishes I cook. It enhances the flavour of food, giving it a kick that is beyond description. The absence of garlic was obvious in the taste of fried rice I cooked last night. The rice lacked that plus factor which is the garlicy flavour that acts as natural food enhancer.
Garlic tastes good in stir frys, fried rice, some pasta, pizza, meat and Asian noodles. It goes very well with either vegetables, meat or seafood. Garlic produces a rich appetizing flavour that tantalises the tastebuds. I use about 4 to 5 cloves at one time in my cooking and usually crush them so they mix well with the food to be cooked and produce a stronger taste, hence enhancing the flavour of food. When cooked whole, garlic gives a milder taste. I will share the recipe for a dish using garlic as a base in my future post.
Garlic should not be stored in the fridge. It tends to be soft and mouldy. Garlic should also not be stored in a sealed plastic container. Since garlic needs to be stored away from direct sunlight and in an airy place to allow circulation of air to prolong its shelf life, it is best stored in a container with holes. You can get them in any household store for less than $5. Research on the internet has shown that the prices of terra cotta ones are steeper. Of course the more fanciful and unique, the more expensive it is. It depends on how practical you are. If you want a simple garlic keeper with the sole purpose of storing your garlic, you can find it at your local store for a low price. On the other hand, if you want to make a statement and use the container as a decorative piece as well, the fanciful ones are the answer.
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