Thanks to Turno Roy from Keto.com.au for this interesting information on the keto friendly nature of garlic, and especially black garlic!
Embarking on a keto diet brings with it a myriad of questions about what’s on the menu. Among the many queries, one that often surfaces is whether garlic fits into this low-carb regime. Known for its bold flavour and numerous health benefits, garlic is a staple in kitchens worldwide. But when carbs are your concern, it's essential to scrutinise everything that goes onto your plate.
You might wonder how something as small as a garlic clove impacts your daily carb limit. Understanding the nutritional breakdown of garlic will help you decide if it can be a part of your ketogenic journey. Let’s dive into the specifics and uncover how you can incorporate this powerful ingredient into your keto diet without compromising your goals.
Key Takeaways

• Garlic has Low Carb Profile: A typical garlic clove has about 1 gram of carbs, fitting well within the keto diet's daily carb intake limits of 20-50 grams, making it a keto-friendly option. Black garlic has even less carbohydrates than fresh garlic.
• Health Benefits of Garlic on Keto: Garlic boosts immune function, supports cardiovascular health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and has anti-inflammatory properties, all beneficial for those on a ketogenic diet.
• Integration into Keto Recipes: Garlic can be used in various forms — fresh, powdered, or oil — to enhance the flavour of keto dishes like garlic butter steak and roasted garlic cauliflower without exceeding carb limits.
• Useful Cooking Tips: Incorporate garlic primarily in its natural form to avoid extra carbs from processed products and consider using garlic-infused oils to season dishes while maintaining low carbohydrate intake.

​Understanding Keto Diet Basics
What Is a Keto Diet?
A Keto diet, short for ketogenic diet, focuses on consuming high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate foods. This nutritional regimen pushes your body into a state known as ketosis. During ketosis, your body burns fat for energy instead of carbs. The shift from using carbohydrates to fats as a primary energy source can lead to weight loss and improved metabolic health. By reducing your carb intake to typically fewer than 50 grams per day, your liver starts producing ketones from fat, which serve as an alternative energy source for the brain and other organs.
Key Components of Keto Foods
Keto-friendly foods prioritise fats and proteins while minimising carbs. Examples include meats, such as beef, pork, and chicken, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, eggs, butter, and cream. In terms of plant-based fats, avocados and coconut oil are staples. Nuts and seeds, including almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds, play a crucial role due to their high fat and low carbohydrate content. Vegetables are also integral but focus on leafy greens like kale and spinach, which are low in carbs. Understanding the ideal balance of these components helps you maintain ketosis and meet your dietary goals effectively.
Garlic and Its Nutritional Profile
Transitioning from the general discussion of keto-friendly foods, it’s crucial to zoom in on the specifics of garlic and its place in the ketogenic diet. Understanding the nutritional content of garlic is key to making informed decisions about incorporating it into your keto meal plan effectively.
Macronutrient Breakdown of Garlic
Garlic, a popular flavour enhancer in many cuisines worldwide, contains a minimal number of carbohydrates. A typical clove of garlic, weighing about 3 grams, provides approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates. This small amount comprises mainly net carbs due to the low fibre content. Additionally, garlic contains traces of protein and almost no fat. Here's a quick overview of its macronutrient composition per clove:

• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.05g

Given these values, garlic can easily fit into a ketogenic diet, provided you keep track of your overall carb consumption from all sources throughout the day.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Aside from its compatibility with the ketogenic diet regarding carbohydrates, garlic boasts several health benefits that are advantageous for those following any diet plan. Firstly, garlic is renowned for its immune-boosting properties, largely due to its allicin content, which is highly beneficial in fighting common colds and other infections. Furthermore, regular garlic consumption supports cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Studies also suggest that garlic may assist in regulating blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining steady energy on a keto diet. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of garlic can contribute to overall wellness and reduced inflammation in the body.
Through its rich array of health benefits and low-carb profile, garlic stands out as a favourable addition to a ketogenic diet. By including garlic in your meals, you not only enhance flavours but also leverage its health-promoting properties to support your dietary goals.

​Is Garlic Keto-Friendly?
Carbohydrate Content in Garlic
Garlic, known for its robust flavour and health benefits, boasts a low carbohydrate profile, making it ideal for the ketogenic diet. Typically, one clove of garlic contains just about 1 gram of carbohydrates. This small amount proves minimal in the context of a daily intake, particularly within a diet that limits carbs to about 20-50 grams per day. Importantly, the carbohydrates in garlic are primarily in the form of fibre which aids digestion and doesn't significantly spike blood sugar levels.
How Garlic Fits into a Keto Diet
Integrating garlic into your keto lifestyle is straightforward due to its carb content being incredibly low. You can enjoy garlic in various forms – fresh, powdered, or as an oil – and incorporate it into numerous keto-friendly dishes. Whether you're sautéing vegetables, marinating meats, or preparing sauces, garlic adds significant flavour without compromising your carb limit. Moreover, garlic's anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties support overall health, complementing the health benefits of a ketogenic diet perfectly. Thus, garlic is not only manageable within the carb restrictions of keto but also beneficial for its nutritional contributions.
Using Garlic in Keto Recipes
Keto-Friendly Garlic Dishes
Garlic adds a rich flavour to dishes without increasing carbohydrate intake significantly, making it an excellent ingredient for your keto recipes. Consider incorporating garlic into main dishes like garlic butter steak or roasted garlic cauliflower. Each of these meals leverages garlic's robust flavour while keeping carbs in check. Garlic butter steak, for instance, combines the hearty, fatty goodness of steak with the aromatic depth of garlic-infused butter. On the other hand, roasted garlic cauliflower transforms a simple vegetable into a flavourful side dish that compliments any main course.
Tips for Incorporating Garlic into a Keto Diet
To maximise the benefits of garlic in a keto diet, focus on the amount you use and how it's incorporated. Start by adding garlic to your recipes in its natural form as minced or whole cloves. This method ensures you receive all the potential health benefits without added sugars or carbohydrates that some processed garlic products might contain. Another useful tip involves using garlic-infused oils. Drizzling garlic oil over salads, meats, or cooked vegetables enhances flavour instantly while adhering to your carb limit.
Remember, a little garlic goes a long way in terms of flavour, so you won’t need much to make your dishes stand out. Black garlic particularly offers a big umami flavour boost just by adding 1 teaspoon black garlic paste to a dish. This will help you keep your carbohydrate intake within the keto-friendly range, all while enjoying the delicious taste and health benefits garlic offers.
Conclusion
Garlic not only fits within your keto diet but enhances it by adding flavour and health benefits to your meals. By incorporating fresh garlic or garlic-infused oils into your dishes you can enjoy the immune-boosting properties and keep your carb intake low. Remember to opt for natural forms of garlic and steer clear of processed options that may contain hidden sugars. With these tips you'll find it easy to maintain your ketogenic lifestyle while enjoying the rich flavours garlic has to offer.

Here at Garlicious Grown we think we work hard BUT this week I got to know one of our great new retailers Carol Long from Camilleri’s Farm Market, up near MacKay, and she taught me a thing or two about working hard!!
Carol and her husband “Longy”, as she refers to him, bought Camilleri’s Farm market in the height of COVID after working for this group for a couple of years prior to purchase.
Their shop front is open 7 days a week 8am – 6pm, Mon to Fri and 8am-4pm on the weekend. What’s more, ALSO on the weekend they do markets where they have 4 marquees to set up each weekend and get up at 2am Saturday morning to be ready for opening at 6AM!  By this stage I’m feeling positively lazy with my own work ethic!!
On top of this, Carol does all her own social media and does an amazing, consistent, “on point” job of this. She says “I just post things that I’d want to know about certain products if I’d never heard of them before”. She says she loves to cook so is always using the products they sell so just photographs and posts them along her way.  Sounds easy, but I know – that is more work!!
Carol is a great supporter of individual suppliers, like ourselves. She jokes that about every 3 weeks her and Longy treat themselves to a ‘holiday’, which is an 8hr drive, ONE WAY, to Bundaberg to collect avocados and macadamias from local farmers. She also likes to get in unusual products that are of great health benefit to consumers, the latest being kunzea cream, moringa powder and of course our black garlic.
Carol moved up to northern Queensland from Tasmania some 30 years ago for her own health benefit and hasn’t looked back.
We have only had Carol as a retailer for a couple of months but what a treasure she is and her black garlic sales alone prove what a great saleswoman she is too.
Finally, don’t forget if you are ever up Mackay way to call in to Camilleri’s Food Market for some stunning produce and make some time for a chat.
In conclusion we would love to find about 50 more Carols to do business with – haha – but more importantly meeting the Carol’s of this world is what makes our job really enjoyable!

Hey there, Garlicious Grown fans!
Picture this: A flavourful black garlic business succumbing to the irresistible charm of Black Friday. Yes, you heard it right – we're diving headfirst into the Black Friday craze, and we're bringing you along for the ride! 🎉
Why Black Friday, You Ask?
Well, as a black garlic business, how could we resist the allure of a Black Friday Sale? We're all about savouring rich and bold flavours, and what better time to indulge than Black Friday? It's the day of irresistible deals and unforgettable discounts, and we're here to make it a garlic-infused extravaganza!

Exclusive Early Access for Our Amazing Customers!
Mark your calendars, because from November 17th to November 27th, we're offering you an exclusive deal that's too good to pass up. Get ready for a mouthwatering 15% discount on everything we offer, site-wide. But wait, there's more! When you spend over $200, we're throwing in FREE freight as a special treat. 🎁
Here's the Lowdown:

• Discount: A generous 15% off on all our products.
• Minimum Order: Just reach $200, and you're good to go.
• Shipping: Your order ships for FREE!

To unlock these fantastic deals, simply use the magic code, BLKFRI23 during checkout. It's your ticket to a world of garlicy goodness without breaking the bank.
Whether you're planning to stock up your pantry with our exquisite black garlic products or hunting for that one-of-a-kind gift for someone special, our Black Friday Sale has you covered. Your favourite black garlicy goodies are just a click away.

Ready to Dive In?
Head over to Garlicious Grown, where all the fun begins. Explore our diverse range of premium garlic products, and savour the incredible taste of black garlic. It's an experience that'll leave your taste buds singing!
This Black Friday, treat yourself to an explosion of flavour and share the love of Garlicious Grown with friends and family. But remember, this epic sale is only available for a limited time, so set your reminders for November 17th and get ready to shop 'til you drop (figuratively, of course).
Thank you for being part of the Garlicious Grown family. We can't wait to spice up your Black Friday, and we'll be here to satisfy your black garlic cravings long after the sale ends.
Savour the flavour, make it memorable, and stay tuned for more delicious updates from Garlicious Grown. 🧄🔥
Cheers to an unforgettable Black Friday! 🎊

As the entertaining season approaches, there's no better time to ensure your kitchen is fully stocked and ready to impress your guests. At Garlicious Grown, we're thrilled to introduce our exclusive "Ultimate Christmas Entertaining Box" – a collection of 5 premium black garlic products and an inspiring recipe card to ignite your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you're whipping up a quick snack for an unexpected drop-in guest or planning something fancier, our carefully curated collection is designed to elevate your culinary game.

🧄Delight Your Taste Buds with These Premium Black Garlic Products🧄

1. Black Garlic White Balsamic Dressing (250mL)🧄 This unique dressing is your gateway to a burst of flavour in your salads. It's equally delicious as a marinade or drizzle for grilled vegetables. Get ready to transform your salads into gourmet delights.

2. Black Garlic Caesar Dressing (250mL)🧄 Elevate your salads and appetizers with this savoury dressing, packed with the rich taste of black garlic. Your guests will be asking for the secret behind your delicious Caesar salad.

3. Black Garlic Unpeeled (50g)🧄For the real black garlic enthusiasts, these black garlic cloves are versatile and make a delightful addition to your cheese platters and hors d'oeuvres. Get ready to impress your guests with this unique and flavourful addition.

4. Smoked Garlic Powder (25g)🧄 Our Smoked Garlic Powder adds a touch of smoky goodness to your recipes. It's perfect for seasoning your eggs, great on roast vegetables and dusted over soup.

5. Nero Black Garlic Meat Rub (100g)🧄 The secret to succulent meats – our Nero Meat Rub brings out the best in your grilled or roasted dishes. Your barbecue gatherings just got a delicious upgrade.

Recipe Card: Need some culinary inspiration? We've got you covered with our exclusive recipe card. It's your ticket to crafting gourmet dishes effortlessly. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, these recipes will have you covered.

Our Ultimate Christmas Entertaining Box is designed to add that dash of magic to your appetizers, canapés, barbecues, salads, and even your gourmet breakfasts. Be it a quick snack for unexpected guests or a lavish dinner party, you'll have a selection of delicious, healthy flavours at your fingertips.

RRP $110.13 Now $89.95

🧄Unlock Free Freight Across Australia:🧄

As a token of our appreciation for your loyalty, we're offering FREE SHIPPING across Australia when you use the code ENTBOX during your purchase. We want to make sure you can get your hands on these culinary treasures without any additional cost. It's our way of saying thank you for being a part of the Garlicious Grown family.

Don't miss this opportunity to prepare your kitchen for an unforgettable entertaining season. Get your Entertaining Season Box today and let the flavour adventures begin. Visit our website to place your order and make the most of the free shipping offer. But hurry, as this offer is available for a limited time only.
​

When it comes to culinary trends, black garlic has emerged as a true superstar in recent years, captivating the palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. A recent report, titled "Best Statistical Black Garlic Market Growth Set to Surge Significantly during 2023 to 2030," highlights the remarkable growth in black garlic sales and identifies Garlicious Grown as a key player in this burgeoning industry.

Black Garlic: A Flavourful Revolution

Black garlic, with its sweet, umami-rich flavour and health benefits, has taken the culinary world by storm. What was once a well-kept secret in Asian cuisine has now become a global sensation, finding its way into kitchens and dishes of all kinds. Its distinct taste and versatility have made it a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike.

The Report's Revelations

The report, available at here paints an exciting picture for the future of black garlic. It predicts substantial growth in the black garlic market from 2023 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the increasing awareness of black garlic's nutritional benefits, its unique flavour profile, and its applications in a wide range of dishes.

Garlicious Grown: A Leading Light

One standout feature of this report is the recognition of Garlicious Grown as a key worldwide player in the black garlic industry. Garlicious Grown has consistently impressed with its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable farming practices. As a pioneer in the cultivation and production of black garlic, they have played a pivotal role in popularizing this culinary gem.

​In the world of gastronomy, food trends come and go with the changing seasons, but some culinary innovations have the power to endure and captivate the taste buds of food enthusiasts across the globe. One such innovation that has risen from relative obscurity to become a culinary trendsetter is black garlic. This dark, aromatic, and flavourful ingredient has taken the culinary world by storm, making its way into dishes from Michelin-starred restaurants to home kitchens. Let's explore the fascinating journey of black garlic from an unknown ingredient to a culinary sensation.
 
The Mysterious Transformation
 
Black garlic is not a distinct garlic variety but rather regular white garlic that has undergone a unique fermentation process. We do understandably, get phone calls from people asking to purchase “black garlic seed”! This process is said to have originated in Asia, particularly in countries like Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Although the exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, it is believed to have been discovered accidentally centuries ago when garlic bulbs were left to oxidise in a warm and humid environment.
 
During oxidation, the garlic undergoes a complex series of chemical reactions. The transformation from pungent white cloves to soft, dark, and sweet bulbs takes place over several weeks to months. The garlic's natural sugars caramelize, and its harsh, sulphuric compounds mellow out, resulting in a sweet and savoury flavour profile with hints of balsamic vinegar and tamarind. The texture becomes tender and jelly-like, making it easy to spread or incorporate into various dishes.

​The Culinary Renaissance
 
For years, black garlic remained a well-kept secret, used more as an Asian health supplement than a gourmet flavour addition. However, as the global food scene evolved and embraced more diverse flavours and ingredients, black garlic began to garner attention outside of its traditional roots.
 
One of the key factors contributing to its rise is the growing interest in umami-rich ingredients. Umami, often described as the fifth taste, is characterized by a savoury, deep, and complex flavour. Black garlic's transformation intensifies its umami properties, making it a coveted ingredient among chefs seeking to elevate their dishes. Its ability to enhance the depth of flavours in a wide range of cuisines—from Italian to Thai—has propelled it into the spotlight.

Versatility in the Kitchen
 
One of the most appealing aspects of black garlic is its versatility. It can be used in various forms, including whole cloves, paste, or as a seasoning. Chefs and home cooks alike have found creative ways to incorporate it into their culinary creations.
 
1. **Condiment**: Black garlic paste can be spread on bread, used as a dipping sauce, or blended into salad dressings for an extra layer of flavour.
 
2. **Marinades**: It makes an excellent addition to marinades for meats, seafood, or vegetables, infusing them with its sweet and savoury notes.
 
3. **Soups and sauces**: Black garlic can be used to enrich broths, soups, and sauces, lending a unique depth to the final dish.
 
4. **Pasta and rice**: Add minced black garlic to pasta sauces or stir-fried rice for a gourmet touch.
 
5. **Burger and sandwich topping**: Elevate your burgers or sandwiches by adding a slice of black garlic for a delightful twist.

​Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
 
Beyond its culinary appeal, black garlic is also valued for its potential health benefits. It is believed to be rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that the oxidation process may enhance the bioavailability of certain nutrients in garlic, making them easier for the body to absorb.
 
While it's essential to remember that black garlic is still garlic and should be consumed in moderation, its potential health perks have added to its popularity among health-conscious consumers.
 
Conclusion
 
The journey of black garlic from relative obscurity to culinary trend is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the food industry. Its transformation from a humble ingredient to a sought-after delicacy reflects our ongoing exploration of diverse flavours and our appreciation for the complex, umami-rich experiences that food can offer.

​Summer is the perfect time for firing up the grill and indulging in delicious barbecues. While traditional barbecue flavours are well-loved, why not take your grilling experience to the next level with black garlic? This unique ingredient offers a distinct umami-rich taste that can elevate your barbecue dishes to new heights. In this blog post, we'll explore how black garlic can be used to enhance your barbecue recipes and provide some mouthwatering ideas to try.

Black Garlic Barbecue Sauce: Upgrade your barbecue sauce with the rich and complex flavours of black garlic. Simply blend black garlic cloves with your favourite barbecue sauce base, such as tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices. The black garlic barbecue sauce will add a delightful sweet and savoury dimension to your grilled meats, turning them into an irresistible feast.

Marinating with Black Garlic: Marinating your meats before grilling can enhance their tenderness and flavour. Create a black garlic marinade by blending black garlic cloves with soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, and a splash of lime juice. Let your choice of protein soak in the marinade for a few hours or overnight to infuse it with the umami goodness of black garlic.
​
Black Garlic Butter for Grilled Veggies: Grilled vegetables are a barbecue staple, and black garlic butter can take them to the next level. Mix softened butter with mashed black garlic cloves, chopped fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt. Toss your favourite vegetables in the black garlic butter before grilling, and watch them become even more irresistible with their caramelized edges and savoury flavour.

Black Garlic Skewers: Create flavourful and unique skewers with black garlic. Alternate pieces of your chosen protein, such as tofu or mushrooms, with whole black garlic cloves on skewers. Brush them with a black garlic-infused glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and black garlic. Grill the skewers until they are perfectly charred and caramelized, resulting in a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Black Garlic Stuffed Burgers: Transform your burgers into gourmet delights with black garlic stuffing. Mix minced black garlic and grated cheese of your choice. Form patties with your choice of burger mix (traditional or plant based works fine). Add a spoonful of the black garlic mixture to the centre of each patty, encasing it with the meat. Grill the burgers to perfection, and watch as the melted black garlic filling adds a burst of flavour to each bite. Go the whole experience, and top your burger with Garlicious Grown Black Garlic Aioli.

Black Garlic BBQ Tofu: Tofu is a fantastic canvas for bold flavours. For a delectable vegan barbecue option, marinate slices of tofu in a black garlic-based marinade, then grill until lightly charred. The black garlic infusion will give the tofu a tantalizing depth of flavour that will appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Black garlic's umami-rich and complex flavour makes it a wonderful addition to your barbecue repertoire. From creating mouthwatering sauces to marinating proteins and infusing grilled veggies, black garlic offers a delightful twist to your classic barbecue dishes. So, this summer, take your grilling game to the next level with black garlic in our Black Garlic Barbecue Kit and savour the unique and elevated flavours it brings to your barbecue gatherings. Your taste buds and guests will thank you for this culinary adventure.

​Food preservation has been essential throughout human history. One fascinating preservation method that has gained popularity in recent years is black garlic. Although it is a culinary delight, black garlic also serves as an innovative way to extend the shelf life of garlic while transforming its flavour. In this blog post, we'll explore the ancient technique of using black garlic as a food preservation method and how it has been revived in modern times.

1.     History of Black Garlic Preservation: The process of black garlic preservation dates back centuries and is believed to have originated in Asia, particularly in Korea, Japan, and Thailand. It was traditionally used as a way to store garlic for extended periods without spoilage. The exact origin and time of its development are unclear, but the aging methods used to create black garlic were valued for their ability to transform garlic into a unique and flavourful ingredient.
2.     Aging Process: Black garlic preservation involves subjecting fresh garlic bulbs to a controlled fermentation and aging process. The garlic bulbs are typically kept in a warm and humid environment for several weeks to months. During this time, enzymatic reactions and the Maillard reaction occur, resulting in the transformation of garlic's flavour, texture, and colour.
3.     Controlled Temperature and Humidity: To create black garlic, maintaining a specific temperature and humidity is crucial. The garlic bulbs are typically stored in a controlled environment with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Celsius and high humidity. These conditions encourage the desired chemical reactions, including the Maillard reaction, which gives black garlic its characteristic dark colour. The image below is from Najman et al Influence of Thermal Processing on the Bioactive, Antioxidant, and Physicochemical Properties of Conventional and Organic Agriculture Black Garlic (Allium sativum L.)Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8638; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10238638

4.     Chemical Changes and Flavour Development: During the aging process, significant chemical changes take place within the garlic bulbs. The Maillard reaction leads to the development of melanoidins, pigments responsible for the black colour of the cloves. As a result, the pungent and spicy compounds in fresh garlic, such as allicin, are broken down into various sulphur compounds, resulting in a mellow, sweet, and umami-rich flavour profile with hints of caramel and balsamic notes.
5.     Extended Shelf Life: Black garlic's preservation process significantly extends the shelf life of garlic compared to fresh garlic. While fresh garlic bulbs typically have a relatively short storage life, black garlic can be stored for up to two years or even longer when kept in a cool and dry environment. This extended shelf life allows for greater culinary flexibility and reduces waste.
6.     Culinary Applications: The preserved black garlic can be used in a wide range of culinary applications. Its unique flavour profile makes it a versatile ingredient, adding depth and complexity to various dishes. It can be incorporated into sauces, marinades, dressings, soups, stews, stir-fries, and even desserts. Black garlic's sweet and savoury taste enhances the overall flavour profile of dishes, making it a sought-after ingredient for chefs and food enthusiasts. It is key however, to not see black garlic as a replacement for fresh garlic. While adding garlic flavour, it is not great to chop and fry black garlic at the beginning of a dish (as you may with fresh garlic). Frying black garlic off hard, leads to little burnt black dots in the pan rather than that beautiful black garlic richness!

71.     Health Benefits: While black garlic is primarily known for its culinary merits, it also offers potential health benefits. Like fresh garlic, black garlic contains certain compounds, such as antioxidants and polyphenols, which may have positive effects on health. Additionally, black garlic is known to have higher levels of S-allyl cysteine, a compound associated with potential heart health benefits.

Conclusion: The ancient technique of preserving garlic to create black garlic has been revived in modern times. This innovative method not only extends the shelf life of garlic but also transforms its flavour, creating a unique ingredient with a mellow, sweet, and umami-rich taste. As a versatile culinary ingredient and potential source of health benefits, black garlic has found its place in the culinary world, captivating chefs and gourmet cooks.

​Black garlic, with its unique flavour profile and nutritional benefits, can be a valuable ingredient for vegans and those following a plant-based diet. Its umami-rich taste and versatility can enhance the flavours of various vegan dishes, delivering that big brothy flavour without the use of bones. In this blog post, we'll explore how black garlic can elevate plant-based cuisine and provide ideas for incorporating it into vegan recipes.

1.     Umami Flavour Boost: Black garlic's rich umami notes make it an excellent seasoning to enhance the depth and complexity of vegan dishes. Umami is considered the fifth taste, adding a savoury and satisfying element to food. By incorporating black garlic into plant-based recipes, you can achieve a more robust and savoury flavour profile that may be lacking in some vegan ingredients.

2.     Sauces and Dressings: Black garlic can be used to create delicious vegan sauces and dressings. For example, blend black garlic cloves with plant-based mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of salt to make a flavourful black garlic aioli. This can be used as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a sauce for veggie burgers.

3.     Vegetable Dishes: Black garlic pairs well with a variety of vegetables, adding depth and complexity to plant-based dishes. Toss sliced black garlic through roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, or cauliflower. The black garlic's sweet and savoury flavours can complement the natural ​sweetness of the vegetables, resulting in a more satisfying and flavourful dish.

4.     Plant-Based Proteins: Black garlic can be used to enhance the flavours of plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Marinate these proteins in a mixture of minced black garlic, soy sauce, maple syrup, and a dash of liquid smoke before grilling or pan-frying. The black garlic marinade adds an umami punch and caramelized sweetness to the proteins, making them more enticing and flavourful.

5.     Vegan Soups and Stews: Black garlic can be a fantastic addition to vegan soups and stews, providing a depth of flavour. Add minced black garlic to your favourite vegetable-based soups or stews during the cooking process to infuse them with its umami-rich taste. The slow cooking allows the flavours to meld together, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish.
​
6.     Vegan Cheese Alternatives: Black garlic can also be incorporated into homemade vegan cheese alternatives. Blend soaked cashews or almonds with nutritional yeast, black garlic cloves, lemon juice, and salt to create a creamy and flavourful black garlic cheese spread. Use it as a dip, spread it on crackers, or incorporate it into vegan cheese-based recipes for an extra umami boost.

7.     Vegan Pizza Toppings: Black garlic makes a delicious addition to vegan pizza. Start with your favourite base plus plant-based cheese, along with other toppings like roasted vegetables, olives, and fresh herbs. Add sliced black garlic to your pizza as it leaves the oven. Warming the black garlic adds a savoury and slightly sweet element to the pizza, elevating its flavour profile, without burning this beautiful ingredient.

Conclusion: Black garlic offers vegans and those following a plant-based diet an opportunity to enhance their dishes with its unique umami-rich flavour. By incorporating black garlic into sauces, dressings, vegetable dishes, plant-based proteins, soups, and even vegan cheese alternatives, you can create a variety of flavourful and satisfying plant-based meals. Experiment with different recipes and explore the ways in which black garlic can elevate your vegan culinary creations.