🥬Produce

Garlic

The foundation of flavor in almost every cuisine on earth. A bulb containing 10-15 cloves, each packed with pungent, savory intensity that mellows and sweetens when cooked.

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Where to Find It

Produce section, near onions and shallots. Fresh bulbs in a bin or mesh bag. Pre-peeled and minced versions in the refrigerated produce area or near the salad section.

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How to Pick a Good One

Firm bulbs with tight, papery skin. No soft spots, sprouting, or green shoots. Heavier = more moisture = fresher. Avoid pre-peeled if you can — whole bulbs last 10x longer.

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How to Store

Whole bulbs: cool, dry, dark place with airflow (NOT the fridge, NOT sealed in plastic). Mesh bag or open bowl on the counter. Individual cloves once separated last about a week.

Shelf life: Whole bulb: 3-5 months. Separated cloves: 7-10 days. Minced: 1 day (or buy the jar version which lasts months refrigerated).

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Prepping Tips

Smash with the flat of a knife to peel quickly. Mince by rocking a chef's knife. For paste: sprinkle salt on minced garlic and scrape with knife blade. Let minced garlic sit 10 min before cooking — activates allicin (the good stuff).

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Substitutions

Garlic powder

1/8 tsp per clove

Different texture, works in dry rubs and dressings

Minced garlic (jar)

1/2 tsp per clove

Convenient but milder flavor than fresh

Garlic scapes

2 scapes per clove

Milder, slightly grassy — great grilled

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Common Uses

Sautéed as a base for saucesRoasted wholeMarinades and dressingsGarlic breadStir-friesSoups

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does garlic last?

A whole unbroken bulb lasts 3-5 months in a cool, dry, dark spot. Once you break cloves off, use within 7-10 days. Minced fresh garlic: use same day.

Can you use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, but it's not 1:1. Use 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder per clove of fresh garlic. The flavor is more muted and doesn't have the same bite.

Why does garlic turn green sometimes?

Acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) reacts with sulfur compounds in garlic, turning it blue-green. It's harmless and safe to eat — just looks weird.

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Recipes Using Garlic

136 recipes in our collection use garlic.

Nutrition

Per 1 clove (3g)

Calories4

Protein0.2g

Carbs1g

Fat0g

Key Nutrients

Allicin (antimicrobial)ManganeseVitamin B6Vitamin C

Quick Facts

Store SectionProduce

Shelf LifeWhole bulb: 3-5 months

Substitutions3 options