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YEAR ROUND VEGETABLE Garlic is a bulb-like vegetable, a member of the Lily family and related to onions, leeks and chives. It has a papery skin of many layers that encloses the individual cloves and the bulb itself. A mature head can contain between six to twenty-four cloves and while bulbs can vary in size, the average is about two inches in height and two inches in width at the widest points. A versatile ingredient in cooking, it can be used both raw or cooked. Selecting: Although it can be bought powdered, flaked and in paste form, fresh garlic is the most flavorful. When selecting, choose bulbs that are firm and plump with an abundance of dry papery skin covering it. The skin should also be tight and unbroken. If stored too long, it will begin to shrivel and sprout, at which point it should be discarded as it will have a bitter taste. Storing and Handling: When storing, place fresh bulbs, uncovered or in a container loosely covered, in a cool, dark place avoiding heat and sunlight. They can be stored between two weeks to two months, depending on the variety and age of the bulbs. Be sure to check on the bulbs often for deterioration, looking for molding or sprouting. Remove any cloves that are molding or drying out, but once you break open the head of the garlic it will not last more than a few days. Preparing: Remove any loose outer skin by peeling or rubbing to expose individual cloves. Pull the cloves away from the core of the bulb to separate. With the side of a heavy knife, carefully place it over one clove on a cutting board and smash down on it to open the skin and remove. You can use the cloves whole, chopped, mashed, sliced or pressed through a garlic press. Raw: prepare as desired and add to salads. Sauté: garlic is a flavorful addition to sautéed vegetables (spinach is especially good) and meats. Stir-Fry: Prepare as desired and use in chicken, meat, seafood and vegetable stir-fries. Bake: baking whole bulbs in the oven until soft brings out a sweet and nutty flavor. Cooked like this, it is delicious served as a spread on warm bread slices. Additional Uses: use in dips, dressings, salsas, sauces and soups Quick Salad – Garlic Recipes:
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