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garlic

ProduceFresh garlic is harvested in late spring through early summer (May–July in Northern Hemisphere); dried garlic stores year-round and is available continuously. Regional variations exist, with hardneck varieties more common in cooler climates and softneck varieties in warmer regions.

Rich in vitamin C, manganese, and selenium; contains sulfur compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Relatively low in calories (approximately 4 calories per clove) and a good source of prebiotics when raw.

About

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulbous perennial plant of the onion family, native to Central Asia and domesticated for thousands of years. The bulb consists of 4-20 individual cloves enclosed in papery white, pink, or purple skin, depending on variety. Garlic possesses a pungent, sharp flavor when raw that mellows and becomes sweet and complex when cooked. Key compounds include allicin, which develops when cloves are crushed and provides both the characteristic aroma and potential health benefits. Major cultivars include hardneck varieties (with a central woody stem) and softneck varieties (without a central stem), each with distinct flavor profiles and storage characteristics.

Culinary Uses

Garlic is one of the most fundamental aromatic vegetables in world cuisine, serving as a foundational element in countless dishes across Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American, and other culinary traditions. It is used raw in dressings, salsas, and marinades for sharp flavor; sautéed as a flavor base (mirepoix, soffritto, holy trinity); roasted whole for mild sweetness; or minced and caramelized for depth. Common applications include pasta dishes, stir-fries, soups, stews, and curries. Black garlic (fermented garlic) adds umami complexity to modern dishes. Proper storage and handling—avoiding burnt garlic in cooking and managing raw clove intensity—are key to successful use.

Used In

Recipes Using garlic (2,492)

RCI-SP.003.0734.001

Wyoming Tortilla Soup

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Barger Estate in Mckinney, Texas in 1997.

RCI-MT.004.0845.001

Xiang Mang Chao Ji Liu

Xiang Mang Chao Ji Liu from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0303.001

Xiang Suan Ju Da Xia

Baked prawns with garlic

RCI-VG.004.1543.001

Xiao Kou Zao

(Deep-Fried Sesame Balls)

RCI-SF.002.0304.001

XO Jiang Xian Hao

Oyster in XO sauce

RCI-VG.001.0660.001

Yaam Goong

Thai spicy shrimp salad. Spicy, refreshing, and easy and quick beyond belief to make! Buy your Shrimp already cooked from the market and you won't have to cook a thing!

RCI-MT.001.0306.001

Yakatori

Yakatori from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0333.001

Yakhnet albatata

Potato Stew

RCI-SP.004.0334.001

Yakhnet Sabanegh

Spinach stew

RCI-SP.003.0738.001

Yellow Split Pea Soup

Yellow Split Pea Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.003.0122.001

Yellow Split Pea Stew

Yellow Split Pea Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0310.001

Yellow Yam Rissoles

Yellow Yam Rissoles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0739.001

Yemen Beef Fatah

Yemen Beef Fatah from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1548.001

Yemenite Eggplant Salad

Yemenite Eggplant Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0160.001

Yemenite High Holy Day Soup

Yemenite High Holy Day Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0399.001

Yemeni Whitefish with Red Pepper and Spices

Yemeni Whitefish with Red Pepper and Spices from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1550.001

Yemiser W'et

Spicy lentil stew

Yeung chow fried rice
RCI-RC.004.0323.001

Yeung chow fried rice

Yeung chow fried rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0336.001

Yogi's Bowl

When made in bulk, this chili can readily be frozen.

RCI-VG.004.1555.001

Yookgaejang

Spicy beef, scallion soup Yookgaejang (Spicy beef, scallion soup)

RCI-RC.001.0241.001

Yuca's Vegetarian Paella

Yuca's Vegetarian Paella from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0210.001

Yucca with a Tangerine and Grapefruit Sauce

Yucca with a Tangerine and Grapefruit Sauce

RCI-SP.003.0743.001

Yukkai Jang

Hot Chili Beef and Onion Soup. This chili-red soup is exceptionally hot. It is said that the time to serve it is in the hottest months, when the perspiration it induces has a cooling effect on the diner.

RCI-MT.005.0337.002

Yurvarlak

Yurvarlak from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0337.001

Yurvarlak

Yurvarlak from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0745.001

Zagorska Juha od Krumpira

Potato soup Zagorje-style Zagorska juha od krumpira

RCI-VG.005.0288.001

Zelna Hlava Plnena

Stuffed Cabbage Head. Yet another I've pulled out of "The Czechoslovak Cookbook". Of course I had to add garlic to the recipe :) Also for a little extra kick you can use some spicy bloody Mary mix instead of the cream of tomato soup.

RCI-SP.003.0747.001

Zemiakova Polievka

Zemiakova Polievka from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0162.001

Zero-fat Soup

Zero-fat Soup Zero-fat Soup is a vegetarian Vietnamese recipe.

RCI-VG.003.0123.001

Zesty Black-eyed Peas

Spice up your veggie offering with some black-eyed peas that have some kick.

RCI-SC.005.0194.001

Zhug I

Yemeni hot sauce

RCI-SC.005.0195.001

Zhug II

Yemen spice

RCI-SP.003.0748.001

Zilzil Alecha

Zilzil Alecha from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.003.0108.001

Zinfandel-braised Lamb Shanks

Purchased from Vega Estate in Longview, Texas in 1990. Date unknown.

RCI-VG.004.1559.001

Zippy Hummus

Zippy Hummus from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0131.001

Zucchini and Squash Meat Sauce

Zucchini and Squash Meat Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0161.001

Zucchini Appetizers

Zucchini Appetizers. This may be baked, frozen and reheated. May be reheated in microwave.

RCI-SN.001.0444.001

Zucchini Dip

Farmers' Market Recipes by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: About 10 minutes to make, 1 hour to chill

RCI-MT.005.0341.001

Zucchini-Meat Sauce

Zucchini-Meat Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0240.001

Zucchini Pancakes topped with Diced Tomatoes

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0751.001

Zuppa di Riso e Vegetali

Makes 2 generous servings

RCI-SP.003.0753.001

Zydeco Stomp Gumbo

com, but changed it up a good bit based on other people's reviews. it makes a LOT, but it is soooo good!! Perfect for a large get-together...