Garlic
Nutrition Benefits
Vitamin C: helps heal cuts and helps the immune system.
Vitamin B: help our cells grow and stay healthy.
Selection
Different parts of the garlic plant include the scape, bulb and clove. The scape is the green upper end of the stem that grows above the leaves and curls as it grows. The bulb is the rounded portion of the plant. It has a papery covering that separates each individual clove. Often the bulb contains 10-20 cloves.
Select bulbs that are plump, dry, and firm. Fresh garlic should be white to off-white.
Storing
Store whole bulbs of garlic in a cool, dark place but not in the refrigerator. They will keep for about a month. Once a bulb is broken apart the shelf life is just a few days. Whole bulbs of garlic or unpeeled cloves can last indefinitely in the freezer in a freezer safe plastic storage bag with the air removed and sealed tight.
Store peeled cloves in covered containers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Store scapes in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Cleaning
Press firmly on the clove with the flat side of a knife until the clove and skin crack. Remove papery skin from outside the clove.
Rinse scapes under cool running water.
Preparing
Peeled cloves can be chopped and added to dishes to boost flavor.
Scapes can be used in place of garlic in recipes. Chop them up and add to stir fry, finely dice them and add to a homemade salad dressing, or slice them and roast with vegetables.