Garlic Powder

The scientific name of garlic is Allium sativum. It belongs to the family of onions known as Alliaceae. The other members of the family are leek, chive, shallot and rakkyo. The use of garlic is both for culinary as well as medicinal uses. It has been used since the ancient times. Garlic is known for its pungent and spicy flavor. However, when it is cooked the flavor mellows down and sweetens. There are different forms in which garlic is used. Some of the common forms include garlic powder, granulated garlic, fresh garlic cloves, garlic oil, etc. Depending on the availability, each of these forms can be substituted for the other. As a matter of fact, apart from garlic cloves, the leaves and flowers of the garlic plant can also be consumed.

What is Garlic Powder?

Fresh garlic cloves are dehydrated to this powder. Different drying methods are often used to dry fresh garlic. Once the garlic cloves are well dried, they are ground to make powder. No other ingredients are added to make the powdered version of garlic. This will bring up the garlic powder vs garlic salt debate. It is important to note that garlic powder and garlic salt are not the same. Garlic salt is made by mixing table salt with garlic powder. On the other hand, garlic powder does not include any other additions.

There are different forms in which garlic powder is available in the market. The forms include fine powder, regular granulated and roasted granulated. The texture of powdered garlic is flour like. It is often used to make rubs and shakes. The best part about the powdered garlic is that the flavors are released at a faster rate as compared to the other versions of powdered garlic. Powdered garlic can be stored for several months, if it is kept in cool and dry place in an air tight container. The advantage of this form of garlic, over the other form is that it does not turn rancid. At the same time, you will not have to go hunting for this product. You will be able to find it easily.

It is important to check the nutrition facts, to check no artificial ingredients have made their way into the powder. There are certain manufacturers, who add artificial ingredients to the powdered garlic to improve the color of the powder. At the same time, there is a possibility that you will pick up garlic salt in place of powdered garlic. If you are on a low sodium diet, then you will have to extra careful about the ingredients.

Garlic Powder Substitute

The best granulated garlic substitute is garlic powder. However, when one does not have any one of them, there are other options one can try. Garlic salt is commonly available and often can be substituted for powdered garlic. When I do not have the powdered version, I often like to use garlic juice as a substitute for powdered garlic. The other option, which can be used is garlic oil. However, you will have to be careful with the amount of each one of them. If you have granulated garlic, then use twice the quantity mentioned of garlic powder. 4 teaspoons of garlic salt can be substituted for 1 teaspoon of powdered garlic. For quarter teaspoon of garlic powder use half teaspoon of garlic juice. If you are going to use fresh garlic, then substitute 2 minced garlic cloves for a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder. Pickled garlic is not to be used as a substitute. It will not lend the flavor, but it may bring about an unwanted change in the taste.

There are a number of garlic health benefits, therefore it is important that you include it in your diet regularly. Keep the use of garlic powder to its minimum and use fresh garlic instead for the better health benefits it has to offer.