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Originally Posted On: https://spiceworldinc.com/tips-and-tricks/purple-garlic-the-richer-garlic-variety-you-need-to-know-about/
Have you heard of purple garlic? Despite its unique flavor profile and versatility, purple garlic is a bit of a culinary underdog in home kitchens. Keep reading to learn more about what gives purple garlic its purplish skin, the difference between purple and white garlic, and how to incorporate purple garlic into your favorite recipes.
What Is Purple Garlic?
What Makes Garlic Purple: The Science Behind the Color
Purple Garlic Flavor Profile: What Makes It Different
Recipes Featuring Purple Garlic
Substitute purple garlic for white garlic in these delicious recipes.
Creamy Garlic Pasta Salad
Raw purple garlic has a milder flavor than raw white garlic, so it’s the perfect pop of warm spice in this easy pasta salad.
Serving suggestion: Toss in leftover grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying main course that also saves well.
Garlicky Shrimp Stir-Fry
When cooked, purple garlic imparts a complex flavor that works well with the umami flavors in this shrimp stir-fry.
Serving suggestion: Before you start your stir-fry, prepare white or brown rice in a pot or rice cooker so dinner is ready to assemble when you finish stir-frying.
Garlicky Deviled Eggs
Add some zing to your spring picnic platter with these crowd-pleasing deviled eggs.
Pro tip: Arrange your deviled eggs in a single layer in an airtight container, and you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Purple Garlic vs. White Garlic: Comparison Table
| Characteristic | Purple Garlic | White Garlic |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Purple/reddish skin | White/cream skin |
| Type | Hardneck variety | Softneck variety, usually |
| Flavor | Rich, complex, slightly spicy | Sharp, straightforward, pungent |
| Best For | Roasting, sauces, gourmet dishes | Everyday cooking, raw applications |
| Shelf Life | Shorter (6-8 months) | Longer (9-12 months) |
| Availability | Specialty stores, farmers markets | Widely available year-round |
Health Benefits of Purple Garlic
Though all garlic offers many potential health benefits, purple garlic may contain a higher number of antioxidants from the anthocyanin than white garlic varieties. Purple garlic’s high concentrations of allicin (a compound with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties) could help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Just like white garlic, purple garlic may also support cardiovascular health, potentially lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Where To Buy Purple Garlic
Here’s where to find purple garlic near you:
- Farmers markets (especially late June – early August, during harvest season)
- Specialty grocery stores
- Asian or international markets
- Major grocery store chains, in-store and online
- Online at Spice World Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Purple garlic and white garlic both offer excellent flavor and potential health benefits. Use purple garlic when you’d like a deeper, more complex garlic flavor, like in marinades and sauces.
Yes. You can use an equal amount of purple garlic in recipes that call for white garlic.
