Clove of garlic: All You Need to Know
Garlic is a culinary and medicinal plant that has been around for centuries. It is regularly eaten in many cultures around the world and its flavour is used to liven up many dishes. The entire garlic plant consists of a bulb divided into multiple sections called cloves. A clove of garlic is a small segment of the garlic bulb that is partially covered in a thin paper-like membrane. Cloves of garlic are used in many dishes and also offer many health benefits due to its various compounds. In this article, we will be taking a look at what a clove of garlic is and how to prepare it for use in dishes.
What Is a Clove of Garlic?
A garlic clove refers to a single segment of the larger garlic bulb. A single garlic bulb is typically composed of between 10 to 20 cloves that are clustered together in a papery skin . Inside each clove is a white central sub-clove which contains the germ of the garlic. Cloves range in size from small to large, though typically they’re no bigger than a single centimetre squared.
When the clove is a chosen, the thin papery covering that covers the clove must be removed. This outer covering can either be peeled off by hand or gently rubbed off. The clove can then be sliced or chopped as desired for use in cooking or as a seasoning.
Health Benefits of Clove of Garlic
Cloves of garlic are incredibly good for our health as they contain a variety of medicinal compounds. Allicin, a compound derived from fresh garlic, has been linked to decreased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Allicin is also known for its antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. In addition, garlic’s active compounds have been linked to the slowing of the aging process and the reduction of oxidative stress.
Garlic also contains compounds called diallyl sulphides which are linked to reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, garlic’s compounds are known for their ability to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation, therefore helping to protect against numerous conditions and diseases.
How to Prepare Clove of Garlic
Preparing cloves of garlic for use in cooking is a rather simple process. When a head of garlic is purchased, it should be stored in a dark and cool environment. Before use, the clove must be removed from its thin papery skin. The best way to do this is to simply rub the clove between your hands until the skin is removed.
Once the skin is removed, the clove can be chopped, minced or sliced as desired. It is important to note that raw garlic has a much stronger flavour than cooked garlic, so when using garlic as a seasoning, it is best to add it to dishes at the end of the cooking process to ensure the desired flavour is achieved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, clove of garlic is an incredibly versatile and nutritious ingredient that is used in many dishes around the world. It is rich in medicinal compounds that offer numerous health benefits and can be used as a seasoning or flavouring agent. Thankfully, preparing and using cloves of garlic is simple and requires minimal effort.