Granulated Garlic Substitute

Garlic has been popular among humans throughout the centuries. It was valued for both, its culinary and therapeutic uses. Garlic is believed to be used by humans since the time of ancient Egyptians. Studies show that garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti fungal properties. It is also said to possess numerous health benefits. It is claimed to be helpful in prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer. Garlic, with its pungent flavor, is mainly used as a seasoning or condiment. It is one of the indispensable ingredients in almost all regional cuisines. It is often found to be used along with ginger, tomato and onion. While garlic is said to be best in its freshest form, nowadays, it is available in many different versions like garlic powder, garlic flakes, granulated garlic and garlic oil. Even some of the food recipes require such garlic products, instead of the fresh form. If you need granulated garlic, which is not readily available, you may go for its substitutes.

What is Granulated Garlic

Even though, it is not as popular as powdered garlic, some recipes require garlic granules. Granulated garlic is made of dried garlic and contains no salt or other spices. While the manufacturing process of both garlic powder and granulated garlic are almost similar, only the grinding and processing differs, so that the texture of the final product becomes different. Garlic powder is ground extra fine, but granulated version remains coarse. The manufacturing process includes peeling, cleaning and chopping of garlic. These garlic slices are then dried in slow ovens for a time period of around three to four hours. Once cool, these slices are ground to form powder garlic or granulated version. Garlic granules can be stored for several months in a cool, dark place. The advantage is that it will not turn rancid. It can be expensive than garlic powder and may not be as easily available as the other garlic products.

Granulated Garlic Substitute

Granulated form of garlic can be either regular or roasted. While the regular granulated garlic is used for most recipes, roasted version is used for a mellow, nutty flavor. The regular granular garlic have a sharper garlicky taste as compared to the roasted form and it takes around 20 minutes for the regular version to release the flavor. As in the case of garlic powder, garlic granules too provide the flavor, but, not the texture of fresh garlic. However, there are various food recipes, that require granulated form of garlic. If you don't have garlic granules, then, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. But, make sure to use half the amount only. If you need one tablespoon of granulated garlic, you can replace it with ½ tablespoon of garlic powder. However, you have to use the substitute as per the recipe. If, as per the recipe, you have to add garlic granules directly to warm oil, you cannot do the same with garlic powder. Garlic powder is good for rubs and shakes and in such recipes, where you need a faster flavor release.

You can use garlic powder as granulated garlic equivalent, but, in half the required amount. However, make sure that the flavor and texture of the dish is not altered with the replacement.