Unlocking the Mysteries of Black Garlic:

A Culinary Delight for the Adventurous Palate

Hello 2024!

Pure Music Garlic is very excited to start a weekly blog series we are calling "The Garlic Chronicles".  Here, we'll dive deep into the world of garlic and our delicious garlic products. We will be exploring its rich history, culinary uses, health benefits, and so much more.  Thank you for joining us on our "stinky rose" journey,  as we uncover the secrets and wonders of the mighty garlic bulb.  Whether you're a seasoned chef, a home cook, or simply curious about the wonders of Pure Music Garlic and the uses of our incredible ingredients, this blog is for you.  For all those who read, Life As A Garlic Farmer, be on the look out for monthly blogs dedicated to that side of things. I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for all the continued support for the last 5 years.

Let me introduce you to Boars Rock Farm

Paul and I started growing garlic in 2006 with just 5 bulbs of the garlic variety called "music", which is an easy, porcelain variety that adapts well to a wide range of growing conditions and environments.  It offers a flavour that ranges from spicy when raw, to a hot and aromatic, true garlic flavour when cooked, and is considered to be the choice of garlic for garlic lovers.  In 2023, we harvested over 150 thousand heads of organic Music garlic and expanded our storage and processing to include a walk-in refrigeration unit, a controlled dehydration room, and of course an upgrade to the commercial kitchen and farm store.  Here at Boars Rock Farm, home to Pure Music Garlic, we grow some of the best organic garlic in Ontario and all of our products will continue to be just as nature intended. We believe this is what our customers desire, organic garlic products without compromising quality and taste.

     Paul and I travel in the summer time to huge garlic festivals in Ontario to promote our farm selling organic garlic and Pure Music Garlic products.  I usually spend a lot of time publicly speaking about one of our best selling products, so for this month I will be unlocking the mysteries of Black Garlic and why its a true culinary delight for the adventurous palate.

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The Mystical and Delectable Delight that is Black Garlic

     You've likely stumbled upon the intriguing concept of black garlic, whether through a tantalizing cooking show or the pages of a culinary magazine. The allure of its incredible taste, boasting a sweet umami flavour, has left your taste buds craving more. The soft, jet-black appearance adds to the mystique, raising questions about why it differs from the traditional garlic you're accustomed to. If curiosity has become your constant companion, it's time to embrace your cravings for this culinary gem, and Pure Music Garlic is here to satisfy your curiosity.

Before diving into the delectable world of black garlic, let's shed light on this gourmet phenomenon. While seasoned subscribers may already be familiar, the number one question I encounter at trade shows or garlic festivals is, "How do you grow it?" It's a common misconception, often met with the enthusiasm of gardeners convinced they can cultivate anything. However, the reality is, black garlic is not grown; it's made. Through a meticulous fermentation process, the garlic undergoes a transformative journey, rendering it distinctly different. Despite attempts to explain its non-living nature, the charm of black garlic continues to captivate those new to its magic.

The origin story of black garlic is somewhat debated, with claims of it being a 4,000-year-old Asian tradition or a modern specialty introduced in 2008 by a Korean-born entrepreneur in California. Regardless of its roots, one thing is clear - black garlic has steadily climbed the ranks of culinary stardom over the past decade. Recent studies have even added a health halo to its reputation, touting its impressive nutritional properties, boasting double the antioxidants found in fresh garlic. This nutritional richness is a direct result of a carefully controlled fermentation process, free from additives and preservatives.

Now, let's demystify the term "fermentation." Black garlic undergoes non-microbial chemical and biochemical transformations, known as the Maillard Reaction, rather than traditional microbial fermentation. Without delving too deep into scientific intricacies, this process produces new flavour compounds responsible for the profound taste reminiscent of seared meat and fried onions. The outcome is a dark colour and a complex flavour profile, marking the transition from pungent to sweet and savoury as the garlic changes from white to black.

Often referred to as the "candy of all garlic," black garlic introduces a nuanced taste, harmoniously sweet and savoury, enhancing any dish it graces. Picture a molasses-like richness with tangy garlic undertones, encapsulated in a soft and chewy texture reminiscent of a jujube. Close your eyes and savour the flavours of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, liquorice, chocolate undertones, and a sweet prune-like taste. The individual bulbs may bear a papery, weathered appearance after a month of careful heating, but the jet-black cloves contain no garlicky taste or bitterness.

For those venturing into the world of black garlic, start slowly. Add a clove or two to your dishes, allowing it to play a background role, enriching and deepening flavours without overpowering. Consider experimenting with unexpected combinations, such as incorporating black garlic into chocolate cake batter for a sweet sensation. For special occasions, my black garlic fudge and black velvet cupcakes have become crowd-pleasers, promising a flavourful experience without the lingering garlic breath.

Personally, I indulge in a clove a day for its potential health benefits, but for newcomers, a gradual introduction is advised. Allow black garlic to be your culinary companion, a subtle yet transformative addition that promises to elevate your dishes to new heights. With each bite, savour the complexity and depth that black garlic brings, and bid farewell to the notion of garlic breath.

Black Garlic Made Even Easier - Black Garlic Powder

In order to make Black Garlic even more accessible to everyone we have also created Black Garlic Powder! Pure Music Garlic Black Garlic Powder is an easy way to delve into the flavour that is black garlic. Some fantastic and quick ways that we use the powder in our household frequently include things like:

• Sprinkling some on fresh buttered popcorn

• In the morning dashing some on your toast, it pairs wonderfully with both peanut butter or honey!

• Or if bagels are more your style we love to have toasted bagels with some cream cheese and raspberry jam, then enliven your tastebuds even more by putting some Black Garlic Powder on it.

• You can never go wrong by shaking some on top of your favourite desserts, from a simple scoop of ice cream, to topping your cream cheese frosting on carrot cake or cupcakes.

It is easy to take your home cooking and baking from a lack lustre experience to wondering what chef has secretly been cooking in your kitchen! Don't be afraid to experiment, that is what makes the powder so incredibly effortless to incorporate into your favourite dishes.

Shop Black Garlic Powder NOW

Welcome to the enchanting world of black garlic – a journey for the adventurous palate! We look forward to chatting with you weekly!