Green Garlic : Everything you need to know

When you think of garlic, you probably imagine the classic bulbs with their papery white skins and individual cloves. But have you ever wondered about the young, fresh version of this beloved kitchen staple – the green garlic – ?

If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about this young, vibrant ingredient—from what it is, to how it tastes, to how you can use it in your kitchen.

What is Green Garlic?

Green garlic is simply young garlic harvested before the bulb matures into the full, separated cloves we are all familiar with. These tender green stalks are harvested early in the season, often before the garlic plant fully develops its bulb. At this stage, it’s still young, fresh, and full of vibrant green leaves, giving it a mild yet distinct garlic flavor.

Unlike mature garlic, which has a strong, pungent aroma and flavor, this young garlic has a more subtle and fresh taste. It can be eaten both raw and cooked, and it’s an incredibly versatile ingredient to have in your kitchen. The flavor is often compared to a combination of garlic, onion, and leek, with a mild sharpness and a bit of earthiness.

When is it in Season?

Young garlic is typically in season during the spring months, around late March to early May. The peak season for this ingredient is usually in April, though it can vary depending on the region. As it’s harvested before the bulb fully matures, it’s available for a limited time, making it a true seasonal treat. Because it’s harvested early, you can find it at farmers’ markets, specialty grocery stores, and CSA boxes, where you can get it fresh and ready to use.

If you want to make the most of this ingredient, be sure to look for it during its brief season. Many markets and farm shops offer it in the spring, so keep an eye out for those long, green stalks!

What Does Green Garlic Taste Like?

The taste of young garlic is mild yet distinct. It’s much more delicate than mature garlic, with sweet, grassy notes that are slightly sharper when eaten raw but become more savory and mild once cooked.

The flavor is often compared to young, fresh onions or leeks, but with a distinct garlic undertone. When sautéed or roasted, the sharpness softens, leaving a smooth, savory flavor that complements a wide range of dishes.

Green Garlic vs. Scallions or Green Onions: What’s the Difference?

Young garlic may look similar to scallions (also called green onions), but they are two distinct vegetables. Both feature green stalks and a mild flavor, but they come from different plants and have different tastes.

• Scallions are young onions, while this ingredient is an immature garlic plant. While it has a garlic flavor, scallions have a more onion-like taste. Scallions are often used in salads, salsas, and garnishes, while young garlic can add a subtle garlic taste to a variety of dishes.
• Young garlic is a bit more tender, and while scallions have a small, bulbous base, young garlic usually has a small, undeveloped bulb, which can sometimes have a pinkish hue.

Green Garlic vs. Garlic Scapes: What’s the Difference?

You may have heard of garlic scapes, and it’s easy to confuse them with young garlic. However, they’re two entirely different parts of the garlic plant.

• Young garlic is the entire young plant, including the leaves and undeveloped bulb. It has a mild garlic flavor and is harvested early in the season.
• Garlic scapes are the flower stalks that emerge from mature garlic plants. These long, curly stems are typically harvested in the summer before they bloom and have a stronger, more assertive garlic flavor than young garlic.

While they differ in taste, both young garlic and garlic scapes can be used in a variety of recipes. Garlic scapes are often used in pesto, stir-fries, or grilled, while young garlic is more versatile and can be used in soups, sauces, and even smoothies!

Nutritional Benefits

Like mature garlic, young garlic is packed with health benefits. It contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to your diet.

1. Rich in Antioxidants: This ingredient is a potent source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants are essential for reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system.
2. Boosts Heart Health: Garlic, in any form, has been shown to support cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels, improving blood circulation, and lowering blood pressure.
3. Supports Digestion: Young garlic contains prebiotic compounds that support gut health by encouraging the growth of healthy bacteria. It also helps with digestion by stimulating bile production, which aids in fat breakdown.
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties: This ingredient contains allicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects. This can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and may even alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
5. Immunity Booster: The allicin in young garlic also has antimicrobial properties, helping to fight off bacteria and viruses. It can be particularly helpful during cold and flu season to keep your immune system strong.
6. Low in Calories: Young garlic is low in calories, making it an excellent addition to your meals if you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing flavor.

Where Can You Find It?

You can typically find young garlic at farmers’ markets, especially in the spring months. Many specialty grocery stores also carry it during its short season.

Young garlic is often sold at local farmers’ markets and other areas where fresh produce is abundant in the spring. Look for it in bunches with fresh, green tops and avoid any that have dried or wilted leaves.

If you can’t find it locally, you can also check online marketplaces or specialty food delivery services that offer seasonal produce.

How to Store It

Since young garlic is harvested early, it doesn’t last as long as mature garlic. It’s best used within a week of purchase to maintain its freshness. Store young garlic in the refrigerator in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag, or place it in a glass of water with its roots submerged. You can also freeze it or dehydrate it to extend its shelf life.

How to Prepare It

One of the great things about young garlic is its simplicity to prepare. Here’s how to get it ready for your next dish:

1. Wash it thoroughly: Since it’s harvested early, young garlic can have dirt and grit around the roots. Rinse it well under cold water to remove any dirt.
2. Trim the roots: Cut off the root ends at the base of the bulb and remove any tough or wilted leaves from the stalks.
3. Use the entire plant: Unlike mature garlic, which you need to peel, you can use both the leaves and the bulb of young garlic. Simply slice the stalks and the bulb for a mild garlic flavor.

Ways to Use It in Your Cooking

Now that you know what young garlic is and how to prepare it, let’s dive into some of the ways you can use it in your cooking.

1. In Salads

Young garlic is perfect for adding a mild garlic kick to salads. Simply slice the tender leaves and mix them into your favorite greens, or toss them with a light vinaigrette. Its fresh, garlic-forward flavor makes it a great addition to fresh vegetable salads, grain bowls, or pasta salads.

2. Pesto

Young garlic can be used in place of regular garlic to make a flavorful pesto. Simply blend fresh young garlic leaves with olive oil, parmesan cheese, nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts), and lemon juice. Toss it with pasta, spread it on toast, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a burst of flavor.

3. Young Garlic Sauce

A young garlic sauce is a simple, yet delicious way to bring this ingredient into your meals. Blend young garlic with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or pasta for a fresh, garlicky sauce that enhances any dish.

4. Pickling

Pickling young garlic is a great way to preserve it for use throughout the year. The briny, tangy flavor of pickled garlic is a wonderful addition to salads, charcuterie boards, or as a side dish to meats and cheeses. To pickle young garlic, simply slice it, add it to a jar, and cover it with a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Let it sit for a few days to a week, and then enjoy it whenever you want!

5. In Soups and Stews

Adding young garlic to soups and stews brings a gentle garlic flavor that won’t overpower the dish. Use it in place of onions or leeks in recipes like vegetable soup, potato leek soup, or a simple garlic soup. It’s perfect for warming, hearty meals.

6. As a Garnish

You can also use young garlic as a garnish for a variety of dishes. Sprinkle thinly sliced young garlic over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even pizza for an extra layer of flavor. The mild taste won’t overpower the dish, but it will add a lovely, fresh garlic note.

Recipes to Try

1. Green Garlic and Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bunch young garlic, thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the young garlic and onion, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the diced potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

2. Green Garlic Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch young garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta of your choice

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the young garlic, Parmesan cheese, nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve some of the cooking water.
3. Toss the pasta with the pesto, adding a bit of the reserved cooking water if needed to thin the sauce.
4. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

3. Green Garlic Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch young garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 chicken breasts

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the young garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
4. Serve hot, with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

Is it Okay to Eat?

Absolutely! This ingredient is not only safe to eat but also incredibly nutritious. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in many dishes, and its health benefits are similar to those of mature garlic.

It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Conclusion

Young garlic is a delightful and versatile ingredient that can elevate your cooking with its mild, fresh flavor. Whether you’re adding it to salads, making pesto, or pickling it for later use, this young garlic offers a unique taste that’s different from mature garlic. With its numerous health benefits and seasonal availability, it’s a fantastic addition to your springtime meals.

So, the next time you see young garlic at your local farmers’ market, don’t hesitate to pick some up and experiment with it in your kitchen. You might just discover a new favorite ingredient!

Remember, whether you’re making a simple green garlic pesto, a comforting soup, or a flavorful grilled chicken, this young garlic is a wonderful way to add a burst of fresh garlic flavor to your dishes. Happy cooking!