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4 Signs to Avoid Buying Garlic at the Market

Garlic is an essential spice in daily meals. It is delicious, beneficial to health, and widely sold in markets. However, if you come across these 4 signs when buying garlic, it is best to avoid it.

Administrator

10 March, 2024

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Sprouted Garlic

Unlike some harmful sprouted seeds, garlic sprouts are safe to eat. In fact, garlic sprouts are quite beneficial. However, you should not buy sprouted garlic bulbs.

The reason is that sprouted garlic bulbs have significantly reduced nutritional value due to the need to feed the sprouts. Furthermore, sprouted garlic bulbs are less fragrant, have larger cloves, become softer, and are less fresh. Eating these bulbs will result in less aroma, less crispness, and overall less deliciousness compared to fresh bulbs.

Garlic that is too white

Garlic comes in many varieties, each with its own unique shape and color. White garlic bulbs may look attractive and appealing, but you should not buy them. The reason is that the nutritional value of white garlic bulbs is usually lower, so it is best to choose bulbs with purple skins.

Garlic bulbs with purple skin have stronger antibacterial properties and a more intense garlic flavor. They not only have a more aromatic taste but are also more nutritious.

Garlic Bulbs with Sprouted Cloves

Many people prefer to buy garlic bulbs with sprouted cloves, which means the individual garlic cloves have cracked away from the bulb, and the outer skin has peeled off. While these bulbs are easy to peel, they are difficult to store. The reason is that garlic bulbs with intact skins are tightly sealed and less susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air, making them last longer.

On the other hand, sprouted garlic bulbs are prone to mold and spoilage if stored for too long, so it is best to consume them as soon as possible.

If you plan to use the garlic within a few days, you can buy these bulbs. However, if you plan to buy a large quantity, it is best to buy bulbs with intact papery skins.

Press Test for Garlic Bulbs

In addition to visually inspecting the garlic bulbs, you should also give them a gentle squeeze to test if they are firm or soft. Good garlic bulbs should feel firm and solid when pressed. Bulbs that feel soft and squishy indicate that the garlic is spoiled, dried out, or rotten.

Garlic Storage Methods

Using Ginger

Take a piece of ginger, cut it into slices, wrap it in gauze, put it in a sealed bag together with the garlic, and store it in a cool place. Ginger has a strong spicy taste, which can kill bacteria and inhibit their growth. It can also absorb moisture and keep the garlic dry, preventing it from sprouting and drying out. Occasionally check the ginger, and if it becomes dry, replace it with fresh slices.

Using Roasted Salt

Prepare about 60g of table salt and roast it in a pan until it becomes dry and turns yellow. Remove the salt from the pan and wrap it in a clean piece of gauze.

Next, place the garlic bulbs in a bag and add the roasted salt. When storing, make sure to squeeze out excess air from inside the bag, tie the bag tightly, and keep it in a cool place.

This storage method helps absorb a certain amount of moisture, preventing the growth of a large number of bacteria inside. Therefore, it can also prevent the garlic from deteriorating after 1 or 2 years.

Source: Xe và thể thao

Frequently asked questions

While white garlic bulbs may look appealing, they typically have a lower nutritional value. For a more nutritious and flavorful option, choose garlic bulbs with purple skins, which have stronger antibacterial properties and a more intense garlic taste.

Garlic bulbs with sprouted cloves are easy to peel, but they are harder to store. The exposed cloves are more susceptible to oxidation and spoilage. If you plan to use the garlic within a few days, these bulbs are a convenient option. Otherwise, opt for bulbs with intact papery skins for longer-lasting freshness.

In addition to a visual inspection, gently squeeze the garlic bulbs. Fresh garlic should feel firm and solid, while soft and squishy bulbs indicate spoilage or dryness.

To keep garlic fresh and prevent sprouting, you can use ginger or roasted salt. For the ginger method, wrap sliced ginger in gauze and store it with the garlic in a sealed bag in a cool place. With the roasted salt method, prepare roasted salt, place it with the garlic bulbs in a bag, remove excess air, seal tightly, and store in a cool location. Both methods help absorb moisture and inhibit bacterial growth, keeping your garlic fresh for longer.