The Lowdown on Fresh Garlic

Since the 1970s, we’ve been your open-air produce market serving Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

We're part of the "Farm to Brooklyn" series, and we're here to talk about garlic. Garlic is a delicious and healthy ingredient that can be found in a variety of ethnic cuisines. It's now in season, and we're here to highlight all the lowdown and ways you can incorporate it into your cooking.

Garlic is an essential ingredient in Italian cuisine. From pasta dishes to pizza, garlic is a staple in Italian cooking. The history of garlic in Italy dates back to the Etruscan era when it was used for medicinal purposes. In ancient Rome, garlic was given to soldiers to boost their strength and courage. Later, in medieval times, garlic became a popular seasoning in Italian cuisine, and it has remained so ever since. Garlic's unique flavor and aroma give it an essential place in Italian cuisine, where it is commonly used to flavor sauces, dressings, and meats.

One tip for shoppers to keep garlic fresh for a longer time is to store it in a cool and dry place, like a pantry or cupboard. You can also use a mesh bag or a braided string to hang it up in a cool and dry place. Don't store garlic in the fridge, as it can cause it to sprout or spoil more quickly.

Roasting garlic is a popular method of cooking garlic, and it can be used to infuse its delicious flavor into dishes like hummus or mashed potatoes. To roast garlic, cut off the top of the garlic bulb, rub it with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt. Place the bulb in aluminum foil and bake it in the oven at 400 F for about 40-45 minutes. Roasting garlic gives it a sweeter and less pungent taste, which makes it more palatable for sensitive stomachs. You can also use roasted garlic to make garlic oil, which is a great ingredient to use when sauteing vegetables or making salad dressings.

Thank you for reading Three Guys from Brooklyn's take on garlic. Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be added to many different dishes to bring out their unique flavors. It's not just an Italian ingredient, but it's used in cuisines all over the world. From classic roasted garlic to garlic-infused oils, the possibilities are endless. So head to your local farmers' market or grocery store and grab some fresh garlic to incorporate into your next culinary adventure. Don't forget to follow our "Farm to Brooklyn" series for more updates on fresh, seasonal produce. And as always, stay true to that Brooklyn attitude we all know and love.