Black garlic is one of those ingredients you discover once… and then want to use everywhere. It is intensely flavorful, surprisingly soft and instantly adds more depth to dishes. In this blog I’ll take you through what black garlic actually is, how it tastes, what you use it for, and why it’s so popular.
What does black garlic look like?
On the outside it still looks like regular garlic, but the magic happens inside: the cloves turn deep black, soft and slightly sticky – almost like a date.
What is black garlic?
Black garlic is regular garlic that is slowly aged at a constant temperature and humidity. This process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
During this aging:
- sugars and amino acids change (Maillard reaction)
- the garlic turns black in color
- an entirely new flavor develops
Important: it is not a classic fermentation, but a controlled aging process.
How does black garlic taste?
This is where it gets really interesting. Expect NO sharp garlic taste.
- Soft and rounded
- Slightly sweet (think