Garlic - How To Use
(Also known as Camphor of the Poor and Stinking Rose)
Profile
Garlic is one of 700 varieties in the onion family. This vegetable amplifies and brings together other flavours. It has a distinctive flavour with an often-pungent smell, sometimes sulphurous and sweet before cooking. Fresh mature bulbs tend to be more potent, but you should avoid garlic with fresh green shoots as the garlic then becomes more bitter. Garlic is said to be native to Central Asia, with China as the largest producer.
What flavours go with garlic?
In Asian cooking, it paints a triptych alongside onions and ginger. In Spanish cuisine Garlic partners with almonds very well. The Spanish cold soup of 'ajo blanco' is one such example. Other examples that pair with Garlic are;
- Basil
- Chilli
- Ginger
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Tomato
- Walnuts
The latter is a popular flavour combination in various countries, such as the Turkish sauce 'tarator'. Garlic and Parsley are considered a perfect marriage to mask bad breath. Our Middle Eastern range of BAQA has sublime garlicky undertones that encompass many of the above.
Health Profile
Modern research suggests that garlic improves cholesterol levels and slightly reduces high blood pressure with additional antioxidant benefits.
Interesting Facts
- Garlic is undoubtedly one of the most pungent spices held in high esteem for several thousand years. The Grecian physician Galen labelled garlic as a great remedy.
- Egyptian medical papyrus (paper) from 1550 BC features 22 different garlic formulas for various ailments. Hieroglyphic inscriptions describe how the slaves who built the Egyptian pyramids were given garlic for disease prevention and maintenance of their physical strength.
- The Chinese cultivated garlic for its healing properties and Roman soldiers ate it before fighting to give them strength and courage.
- In ancient Greece, brides would carry garlic and other herbs in a bouquet. In today's world, that may be a reason for getting cold feet!
- In ancient myths, garlic was a protector of evil spirits and vampires.
- Garlic often fell out of fashion because of its pungent smell, but it is very popular in Indian and Mediterranean dishes today.
- Older generations would often sleep with garlic under their pillow when they were ill. Our co-founder, Myles’, Irish grandfather used to sleep with garlic under his pillow to draw the toxins out when ill, so he could keep the body healthy and infection-free. Needless to say, no hugs for Grandad on either side of his cold and flu symptoms.
Chief flavour profile
Allicin: (sulphurous, spicy and hot) The garlic smell comes from the sulphur flavour compounds. They typically complement other cooked meats with the same sulphur compounds. The allicin compound does complement asafoetida spice with its comparable sulphur compounds and chilli capsaicin compounds that give complexity to the heat of the garlic by exciting the tongue's temperature receptors.
Blends to try with Garlic
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Vegeto $12.00
Introducing Vegeto - Great Taste Award winner - 2023. Vegeto is a smokey all-purpose seasoning mix, with a whisper of bitterness from celery salt, and a hint of heat from ground chilli flakes. All natural, low sodium and vegan. This heritage spice mix pays homage to the ancient Romans' love of vegetables and pulses - inspired by the oldest collection of Roman cookery recipes by Marcus Gavius Apicius.
Endless culinary adventures - With highlights of garlic, paprika and basil, Vegeto is a perfect way to add flavour to roast vegetables, mashed potato, soups and salads. Try a pinch over smashed avocado on toast, or 2 tsp for a roast chicken marinade with some olive oil.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Mitmita $12.00
Introducing Mitmita - A kaleidoscope of rich, spicy, sweet, and deep flavours that are all-natural, low sodium, and vegan. This spice mix derives from the Ethiopian Empire of Aksum. Featuring the after-heat of Birds Eye chilli peppers, smoky Ethiopian black pepper and undertones of celery salt.
Endless culinary adventures - Traditionally, Mitmita is used as a tabletop seasoning. This all-purpose spice mix adds complexity and balance to everything from a ribeye steak, to burgers, or prawns and poultry. It is perfect as a steak rub, or a barbeque marinade. It can even take a Bloody Mary cocktail to the next level. We recommend adding some fresh chilli if you want to heat up the alchemy even more.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Baqa $12.00
Introducing Baqa - A captivating herbaceous and zesty blend, from the Islamic Golden Age. Discover the allure of Baqa. Derived from a 13th-century medieval Arabian cookbook. Meaning 'bouquet' or 'bunch' of herbs, this beautiful blend pays homage to the ancient herb trade. All natural, salt-free and vegan-friendly. The combination of several herbs with garlic and onion powder means a little goes a long way for this all-purpose seasoning.
Endless culinary adventures – A mere sprinkle brings a fresh zing to savoury dishes like pasta, soups, cheese toasties, roast potatoes, and that 70’s classic chicken vol-au-vents. At Camelēr Spice Co, we like to call it, “all things eggs”. One of our customers delighted in pairing Baqa with speckled mushrooms, cream cheese, and sourdough for a mouth-watering lunch. Fans of Za’atar will be captivated by unique flavour alchemy that Baqa brings.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh Mahi $12.00
Introducing Advieh Mahi - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. It is aromatic and flavourful, with highlights of cumin seeds and fenugreek leaves. All natural, low sodium and vegan.
Endless Culinary Adventures - Advieh Mahi (Persian for "fish spice"), is the perfect spice mix for seafood dishes! When mixed with a neutral oil and brushed over fresh fish, this nutritious blend provides a tasty health boost. Why not try for seasoned cod, or salmon? Our customers tell us that this is the perfect spice mix for kedgeree, fish pie and even octopus lollipops with tempura batter!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Sofrito $12.00
Introducing Sofrito - Catalan in origin, Sofrito is a 14th Century blend of balanced and versatile Mediterranean ingredients. All-natural, salt-free and vegan. This spice mix has highlights of lemon peel, thyme and tomato powder, with citrusy and herbal notes.
Endless culinary adventures - Sofrito is the perfect all-purpose seasoning for adding depth to chicken pie, pan-fried salmon, meatballs, tomato/ragu sauces or as a natural gravy/stock. Our bread baking customers tell us that adding a teaspoon to your dough creates a delicious new flavour profile!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.