Garlic Powder

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What is Garlic Powder?

Garlic powder is a cooking enhancement or spice made from dehydrated garlic and is used as a substitute for fresh garlic. The process of making garlic powder involves drying fresh garlic and then grinding it down to a powder.

Is garlic powder the same as garlic?

Yes. Garlic powder is just dehydrated fresh garlic. There are approximately 300 types of garlic produced worldwide all with their own unique strength and pungency.

The advantage of using garlic powder is a more stable reliable ‘garlic’ flavour which can be controlled by the measurement you choose to add to each dish. It’s also convenient as being stored and ready to use in the cupboard means no messy preparation time or cleaning afterwards.

How is garlic powder made?

Garlic cloves are peeled, sliced and then heated to a temperature of between 150°C and 160°C to remove the majority of water content. The dehydrated garlic is then minced or ground down into a powder.

How much garlic powder should I use?

Garlic powder adds a concentrated garlic flavour to recipes and offers a less offensive lingering flavour to raw minced garlic. Substitute one small garlic clove for 1/2 tsp garlic powder when using in cooking. For fresh use such as in salad dressings, salsas and dips, start with 1/8 – 1/4 tsp, taste and increase as desired.

Is garlic powder natural?

People often confuse the idea of garlic powder as a ‘processed’ product and inferior to fresh garlic which is ‘natural’ – however – this is technically incorrect as garlic powder is natural. The process of peeling fresh cloves, slicing them thinly, drying them to remove water content and then grinding them down to the desired consistency is an ancient technique used in vegetable and fruit preservation.

Why use garlic powder instead of garlic?

The technique was originally invented to allow countries with colder climates to preserve produce harvested in the warmer months and last through long cold winters. Fresh produce such as garlic maintains all its natural components and health benefits upon dehydration. Check the ingredient label of a jar of garlic powder and you will find no additional additives or preservatives included.

Garlic powder before or after cooking?

Both! Garlic powder can be used to substitute fresh garlic in any recipe during cooking, as an additive to cold dishes, as a garnish or seasoning or as part of a spice blend.

How to use garlic powder

Use garlic powder within any of these dishes or as a seasoning on top

• Pasta sauces
• Stews
• Curry dishes
• Meat Rubs
• Salad dressings
• Ranch dressing
• Dips
• Spanish Tapas
• Salsas
• Spice blends
• Popcorn
• Pizza
• Boiled, roasted or mashed potatoes
• Avocado Toast
• Taco seasoning
• Fried chicken
• Burgers
• Steak
• Croutons
• Fresh baked or toasted bread
• Sprinkled on Eggs
• Roasted vegetables

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Garlic Salt

Garlic salt is a magical seasoning blend with a hit of umami flavour that elevates any dish it is sprinkled on.

What is garlic salt made of?

Garlic salt is simply a blend of garlic powder and table salt or sea salt flakes. It can also be blended with other spices such as paprika or cumin such as in this Smoke Salt Recipe.

How do you make garlic salt?

The general ratio is 3 parts salt to 1 part garlic powder, but since tastes vary, it is up to each individual to adjust the balance to suit their own palate. To make your own batch at home, simply combine salt and garlic powder and store in an airtight jar. If using sea salt flakes, crush them first with a mortar and pestle or small coffee grinder.

Garlic powder can be found in the spice section of supermarkets, spice stores or many online shops.

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Recipes using garlic powder

Below is a selection of savoury recipes using garlic powder

Recipes from flaevor.com