Here’s a quick guide about garlic cloves—what they are, how to use them, and some tips for cooking:
What is a Garlic Clove?
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A garlic bulb (the whole head) is made up of multiple cloves.
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Each clove is a small, individual segment covered in a thin papery skin.
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Usually, a bulb has 10–20 cloves, depending on its size.
How to Prepare Garlic Cloves
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Separate a clove from the bulb.
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Peel the skin:
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Smash lightly with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skin, then remove it.
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Chop, mince, or crush as needed:
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Sliced: milder flavor, great for sautés.
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Minced: stronger flavor, good for sauces.
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Crushed: releases the most garlic oils, perfect for dressings or garlic bread.
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Tips for Using Garlic
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Raw garlic: stronger, slightly spicy flavor. Add at the end of cooking or in dressings.
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Cooked garlic: sweet and nutty. Sauté gently in oil to release flavor.
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Storage: Keep bulbs in a cool, dry place. Once separated, use cloves within a week for best flavor.
If you want, I can also show you a quick trick to peel lots of garlic cloves in seconds, which is super handy in the kitchen. Do you want me to show that?