Homemade Garlic Powder: How to Make It

INTRODUCTION

Garlic, often referred to as the “stinking rose,” is a culinary powerhouse with a history as rich as its flavor. For centuries, it has been cherished in kitchens worldwide for its unique taste and numerous health benefits. But what if I told you that you can take this culinary treasure to the next level by creating your very own homemade garlic powder?

In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey through the world of garlic, exploring its benefits and delving into the art of crafting garlic powder from scratch. At Feels Foods, we’re passionate about bringing you the finest ingredients, and we’re excited to share the magic of garlic powder with you. You’ll find that Feels Foods garlic powder, available for purchase on our website, brings convenience and freshness to your culinary adventures.

Why Garlic Powder Matters

Before we delve into the art of crafting homemade garlic powder, let’s take a moment to appreciate why this kitchen staple deserves a prominent spot in your culinary arsenal. Garlic powder offers a unique blend of convenience and flavor. It allows you to infuse the essence of garlic into your recipes with ease, sparing you the meticulous task of peeling and mincing fresh cloves.

But what truly sets Feels Foods garlic powder apart is the quality and freshness it brings to your kitchen. We understand that the heart of any delicious dish lies in the quality of its ingredients, and our garlic powder is no exception. When you choose Feels Foods, you’re selecting a product that embodies the essence of premium garlic, enhancing your culinary creations in the most delightful way.

Now, with that said, let’s unlock the secrets to making your very own homemade garlic powder. 

Learn How to Make your Homemade Garlic powder:

When it comes to garlic powder, freshness is key. By making your own garlic powder at home, you have complete control over the freshness of your ingredients. You can start with the finest garlic bulbs, ensuring that each powder you create carries the vibrant, authentic flavor of freshly harvested garlic. Store-bought garlic powder may lose its potency over time, but with homemade garlic powder, you’ll enjoy a burst of garlic aroma and taste in every dish.

Homemade garlic powder is a fantastic addition to your spice collection, as it offers a more vibrant and fresh flavor compared to store-bought varieties. Plus, you have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into it.

The Step-by-Step Guide:

Ingredients:

Fresh garlic cloves

Preparation:

1. Start by selecting fresh garlic cloves. You can use as many as you like, depending on how much garlic powder you want to make.
2. Peel the garlic cloves to remove the papery skin. You can do this by gently pressing the cloves with the flat side of a knife and then removing the skin.
3. Use a sharp knife or a garlic slicer to thinly slice the peeled garlic cloves. The thinner the slices, the faster they will dry.
4. Dehydrate the Garlic: (There are several methods to dehydrate garlic)
   1. Oven: Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature (usually around 150°F or 65°C). Place the sliced garlic on a baking sheet in a single layer and leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. It can take several hours (about 4-6) to fully dehydrate the garlic in the oven.
   1. Sun-Drying: In regions with strong sunlight and low humidity, you can sun-dry the garlic slices by placing them on a tray or wire rack in direct sunlight. This method can take a few days.
   1. Food Dehydrator: If you have a food dehydrator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dehydrating garlic slices.
5. The garlic is ready when it becomes completely dry, crisp, and brittle. It should easily crumble when touched
6. Once the garlic slices are fully dehydrated, transfer them to a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Grind the dried garlic slices into a fine powder. If you don’t have a grinder, you can use a blender or food processor
7. Transfer the freshly ground garlic powder to an airtight container, preferably a glass jar. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and potency.

Garlic Fun Facts

Let’s end the article with some fun and fascinating garlic facts. 

Allicin Power: The compound responsible for garlic’s distinct aroma and many of its health benefits is allicin. It’s formed when garlic is crushed or chopped and has potent antioxidant properties.

Ancient Roots: Garlic has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and was even used as currency in ancient Egypt. Its history is as rich as its flavor.

Black Garlic: Black garlic is not your typical garlic; it’s a culinary alchemy that transforms ordinary garlic into a gourmet delight. The process behind black garlic involves fermentation, which completely changes the flavor, texture, and aroma of the garlic cloves. (We will delve deeper in this in future Blog Posts)

Culinary Versatility: Garlic is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It’s used in cuisines from around the world, from Italian pasta dishes to Asian stir-fries, proving its universal appeal.

Garlic Scapes: Garlic produces curly, green shoots called scapes, which are edible and have a mild garlic flavor. They’re often used in salads, pestos, and soups.

Garlic Varieties: There are over 600 varieties of garlic worldwide, each with its distinct flavor profile and characteristics. Some are milder, while others are more pungent, allowing for a range of culinary possibilities.

Health Superstar: Garlic is often hailed as a natural remedy. It’s believed to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, making it a true superfood.

Longevity Symbol: In some cultures, garlic has been associated with longevity and good luck. It’s often hung in homes to protect against evil spirits and to bring blessings.

Natural Pesticide: Garlic is known to repel certain pests in gardens. Planting garlic alongside other crops can help protect them from unwanted insects.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of the flavorful world of garlic and the art of creating homemade garlic powder, we hope you’ve found this journey as delightful as we have. The magic of garlic, from its history to its remarkable properties, is an endless source of fascination and culinary inspiration.

We’ve barely scratched the surface of garlic’s many facets, and there’s so much more to discover. So, here’s an open invitation: do you have any unique garlic insights or fun facts that we haven’t yet unveiled in this article? Whether it’s a treasured family recipe, a garlic-related anecdote, or a special way you use garlic in your kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.

At Feels Foods, we believe that the true essence of cooking is the sharing of knowledge and experiences. So, please, share your garlic knowledge and join us in this flavorful journey. Let’s continue to explore the world of garlic, one clove at a time, and uncover even more of its hidden gems together.