I. Introduction
If you cook regularly, you know that garlic is an essential ingredient that adds flavor and aroma to your meals. However, not everyone has the time to peel and chop garlic every time they cook. This is where freezing garlic comes into the picture. In this article, we will look at the benefits of freezing garlic, debunks common myths, and offer step-by-step guides on freezing garlic.
II. Benefits of Freezing Garlic
Freezing garlic is a good idea as it allows you to have garlic on hand whenever you need it. It is particularly helpful if you do not have the time or energy to prep fresh garlic every day. With frozen garlic, you are assured of having it ready to use when you need it.
In addition, freezing garlic saves you time and effort in the kitchen since you do not have to peel and chop garlic every time you cook. Additionally, frozen garlic is more comfortable to handle than fresh garlic as it is less likely to stick to your hands and curse.
III. Common Myths About Freezing Garlic
One of the common myths about freezing garlic is that it loses its flavor and aroma. However, freezing garlic does not affect its taste, aroma, or nutritional value, and it is as healthy as fresh garlic. Moreover, you can freeze crushed, minced, or whole garlic cloves without affecting their quality.
Another misconception is that freezing garlic turns it to mush, which is not true. When frozen correctly, garlic maintains its texture, and the frozen cloves are still firm and easy to handle.
IV. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Freeze Garlic
There are several methods to freeze garlic, and they all depend on your preferences and cooking needs. Here are some step-by-step guides on various ways to freeze garlic.
Method 1: Freezing Whole Garlic
- Select fresh garlic bulbs, and peel the cloves carefully.
- Place the peeled cloves in freezer bags, and seal tightly.
- Put the bags in the freezer and use as needed.
Method 2: Freezing Crushed Garlic
- Peel and crush garlic cloves into a paste.
- Spoon the paste into an ice cube tray until it is half full.
- Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and allow the garlic to freeze.
- Once frozen, remove the garlic cubes from the tray and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Use garlic cubes as needed.
Method 3: Freezing Minced Garlic
- Peel and mince garlic to your preferred size.
- Place the minced garlic in a freezer bag, and flatten it so that it is in a single layer.
- Seal the bag, and write the date on it.
- Put the bag in the freezer and thaw out when needed.
V. Best Ways to Freeze Garlic Without Losing Flavor and Aroma
While garlic maintains its flavor and aroma when frozen, you can take some precautions to ensure that you preserve its quality. Here are some tips:
Cover the garlic well when storing it to prevent freezer burn. Use airtight containers, freezer bags, or wrap the garlic in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Use fresh garlic, as stale garlic may not freeze well, lose its flavor, and become bitter when thawed.
Store garlic in small portions so that you can take out only what you need.
VI. Recipes That Use Frozen Garlic
Now that you have learned how to freeze garlic, let us look at some creative and tasty recipes that you can try.
Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
2 sticks of unsalted butter
1/3 cup of frozen garlic paste
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried herbs
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients in a bowl and blend until the mixture forms a spreadable butter consistency. Refrigerate the butter for up to a week or freeze and use as needed.
Garlic Soup
Ingredients:
6 cups of chicken stock
1 chopped onion
2 minced garlic cloves
2 chopped potatoes
1 small sweet potato
1/2 cup of frozen garlic paste
3 tablespoons of olive oil
salt and pepper as per your preference
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil, and add onions and garlic. Cook until soft. Add chicken stock and spices, and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and sweet potatoes, and simmer for 20 minutes. Let the soup cool and blend until smooth. Serve hot with croutons or bread of your choice.
VII. Incorporating Freezing Garlic into Your Meal Prep Routine
You can freeze garlic as part of your meal preparation routine. Depending on how often you use garlic, you can freeze it in small or large portions that can last you a few weeks or months.
For example, if you use garlic weekly, you can freeze garlic in small portions that you can use for that week. On the other hand, if you use garlic occasionally, you can freeze it in large portions that can last you for a few months. You can do your meal prep once a week or once a month depending on your preferences and time availability.
VIII. Tips and Tricks for Prepping Garlic for Freezing
For perfect results when freezing garlic, here are some tips and tricks:
Choose good quality garlic bulbs that are fresh and firm.
Peel the garlic cloves carefully to avoid damaging them.
If you use the ice cube tray method, cover the garlic paste with warm water before sealing it. This will help prevent freezer burn, and the garlic will remain fresh.
IX. Conclusion
Freezing garlic is an excellent way of saving time, effort, and money in cooking. Not only does it help you save time in the kitchen, but it also allows you to have garlic on hand whenever you need it. It is easy to freeze garlic and preserve its flavor and aroma when done correctly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can now enjoy the convenience of frozen garlic.
