Garlic is one of the most commonly used ingredients as it helps flavor the food. It is known for its earthy, spicy, and pungent smell when it’s in raw form. In addition, when cooked, it achieves a nutty color, which tastes amazing in the food.
It can be used for various savory recipes and is actually readily available in grocery stores.
However, it’s important to purchase fresh garlic because nothing is more frustrating than opening the garlic clove and seeing green specks. So, if you see green specks in the garlic, let’s see what it means!
Is Garlic With Green Inside Okay?
Garlic Is Green Inside – What Does It Mean?
Fresh garlic is meant to have cream or white-colored flesh, and in some cases, it has one or two flecks. This clearly means that the garlic shouldn’t be green.
However, if it’s green, it will be safe to consume, irrespective if you want to consume it raw or in cooked form.
Usually, the green inside means that the garlic has started the sprouting process which happens if the garlic is old. In addition, the green inside cloves is caused by chlorophyll – the plant produces chlorophyll when it’s exposed to light.
Another reason behind the green inside is over-fertilization (unfortunately, this issue cannot be resolved as the garlic has already absorbed the fertilizer).
Lastly, when the garlic clove starts getting old, it directs its energy into the production of new garlic, known as sprouting, and is known to develop a green color.
Eating such garlic won’t do any harm but it might have a bitter flavor.
For this reason, people usually cut out the green part and use the remaining part. That’s because chlorophyll has a bitter tone and higher chlorophyll levels can result in an extra bitter flavor.
In most cases, a few specks of green color won’t hurt the flavor but extra-green garlic will have a different flavor.
Cooking such garlic might help improve the flavor but it won’t have the distinct sweetness. On the other hand, you have to understand that moldy garlic isn’t safe to eat.
So, if the garlic has green-bluish color with a fuzzy texture, it’s better that you throw it out because it could be mold (the green-bluish part might have a dusty appearance as well).
Reasons Behind Sprouting Of Garlic
We have already mentioned that sprouting is a common reason why garlic starts getting green from the inside.
First of all, to prevent sprouting, you have to store the garlic in a dry, cool, and dark place because it will prevent the drying-out process – it needs sunlight and moisture to sprout.
If only some part of the garlic has become green, you can chop it off and use the remaining garlic but keep in mind that the clove won’t taste so good.
That’s because the clove starts pushing its nutrients into the new leaves and creates chlorophyll, which increases the bitterness.
Common Symptoms Of Bad Garlic
In most cases, the green part of the garlic doesn’t always indicate rotten or spoiled garlic. However, it’s most important to be careful, which is why we are listing down common signs of bad or rotten garlic.
- Color
First of all, you’ve to focus on the garlic’s color. The fresh and healthy garlic has a cream or white color, but if it has started to yellow or brown, it’s time to discard the garlic. In addition, such color development will also develop bitter tones.
In addition to this, you have to inspect the garlic for mold because if it starts to develop fungus, there will be a sour smell. The sour smell also indicates that the garlic is undergoing the oxidization process and creates a more intense flavor.
On top of everything, you shouldn’t consume dark-colored garlic because it won’t have the right taste and it might cause an upset stomach as well.
- Smell
Garlic has an intense yet pleasant smell. However, if the garlic has a dark smell, it’s likely that the garlic is rotten.
In addition, the ammonia-like and strong smell indicates oxidized garlic, which is not safe to consume. In particular, the rotten garlic’s pungent smell is bitter.
Overall, the fresh garlic has a mellow, savory, and spicy aroma. So, if it starts losing its distinctive aroma, you should toss it out. In addition, you should discard it as soon as possible, so it cannot contaminate the healthy garlic.
- Mold
The garlic’s smell is one of the key indicators that it’s fresh and safe. However, if you are using minced and bottled garlic, you should look for mold.
So, look for black, dark green, and blue development on the garlic as it means mold. Also, consuming moldy garlic isn’t safe for your health.
Ways To Keep The Garlic Fresh
To begin with, you have to purchase the garlic carefully. It’s recommended that you look for whole garlic heads with firm cloves and packed skin.
In addition, you must avoid purchasing soft garlic and always look out for sprouting (don’t purchase garlic if there are bright green shoots growing over it).
After purchasing the garlic, you’ve to ensure correct storage and we have some tips for you!
- At room temperature, you should use a bowl or bag with sufficient airflow to store the garlic, and make sure to put it in a dry and cool area. In addition, it should be kept away from the sun
- If you have peeled, minced, or sliced garlic, you can refrigerate them by putting them in an airtight container. The refrigeration should keep the garlic fresh for two to three days
- If you want to freeze the garlic for months, it’s recommended that you press, grate, or chop the raw garlic and put it into an ice tray. Then, cover the ice tray with oil and freeze it but make sure you freeze it right away to prevent infections
The bottom line is that garlic is an essential ingredient in various cooking recipes and it’s important for you to have them, especially if you are into cooking. So, follow the information and tips in this article to keep them fresh for longer!