Q&A for How to Cook Garlic

You can use garlic scapes several ways, but my most preferred option is making a garlic scape pesto. You can do this by tossing the scapes into a food processor along with some basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan, and blend it all together until smooth. This is a quick and flavorful pasta dish that's also perfect for sandwiches or even as a dip. Another method is by simmering the scapes with some heavy cream to make a silky, garlic-infused sauce. Start by chopping the scapes into 1-inch pieces and simmering them in a small pan with cream and a pinch of salt. Cooking them slowly helps soften their slightly woody texture and brings out a mellow, aromatic garlic flavor without the sharp bite. Once the scapes are tender, blend the mixture into a smooth, creamy sauce. This recipe works great as a topping for pasta or vegetables—it’s garlicky but in a subtle, sweet way that doesn’t overwhelm the dish and your palette.

Look for bulbs that are firm, rounded and without blemishes. The papery skins should be clear of mildew or marks. Avoid buying bulbs that are sprouting already unless you want to plant them in the garden; they're not suitable for cooking when they are at this stage. There should also be a solid feel; if the bulb feels really light and hollow, the cloves are rotten.

Garlic bulbs need to be stored in a cool and dry place. If they are stored in damp or humid conditions, they will either disintegrate or sprout, making them unsuitable for cooking or eating. For more detailed help with storage, check out the wikiHow: How to Store Fresh Garlic .

How the garlic is prepared determines how strong it tastes, while cooking itself reduces the strong taste of garlic. To make the garlic less pungent, either slice it thinly or chop it, as both methods make the flavor milder than crushing it. Choosing larger bulbs is another good approach, as these tend to be milder than smaller ones, while new season garlic is milder than garlic at the end of the season.

Yes, garlic is healthy. Scientific studies have shown it has compounds in it that help to lower blood cholesterol and can help to lower the risks of heart disease, stroke and cancer. It also has antibiotic properties. As with most sources of nutrients, it is best to obtain the benefits by eating the garlic rather than getting it through supplements.