If you’ve never tried making black garlic at home, you’re really missing out. That said, it takes weeks (literally) to make it from scratch, which is why we’re endlessly grateful for this new release. Sparing you the need to whip out a heavy-duty fermenting box or having to endure the patience of waiting for your head of garlic to transform into its more luxurious form, you can now conveniently find fermented black garlic on the shelves of your local Trader Joe’s store.
What Is Black Garlic?
Black garlic is the fermented—and dare I say better—version of a regular head of garlic that loses its stringent bite as it ages and matures. When held in a warm and humid environment for several days, the garlic undergoes the Maillard reaction that breaks down the sugars and amino acids, resulting in a creamy, slightly sweet, and milder-tasting ingredient.
How Does It Taste?
When I first got my hands on the bottle, I was a little surprised by how small it is (just over one ounce) compared to the other Trader Joe’s seasonings they sell. However, upon opening it, I quickly realized why. The dried black garlic’s small granules are packed with flavor and a delicious garlicky scent—the kind that makes you drool instantly. The intoxicating aroma has hints of caramelized onions and even reminds me of a tangy and sweet teriyaki sauce. Eager to try it, I sprinkled a generous amount onto a mozzarella and balsamic salad I was eating. The dried black garlic has a similar consistency to coarsely ground coffee, and a little goes a long way. The bits become slightly tacky when in contact with moisture, but I didn’t find it off-putting. I did notice, however, that about a half a teaspoon of this seasoning can definitely get the job done; I was a bit heavy-handed in my overly excited state when I first used this product. But rest assured: You can be much more liberal with your use than you would raw garlic, as its flavor is much more subdued. Oh, and did we mention that it only costs $2.99?
Instructions and Labeling
According to the label, this is a product of South Africa made with dried ground black garlic and rice hull (to prevent caking). It recommends using the seasoning on “avocado toast, in butter and sauces, on vegetables and proteins, or any time you want extra depth of flavor.” To prevent unwanted clumping, they recommend refraining from sprinkling this product over steaming pots and suggest you store it in a cool, dry place to prolong its shelf life. BTW, this isn’t the first time Trader Joe’s has dabbled with selling a black garlic product. A few years back, the company sold fresh cloves and bulbs of Japanese Aomori black garlic, but it looks like the product was discontinued around 2018. Admittedly, this product is not as creamy and luxurious as a spreadable clove of fresh black garlic, but it offers a quick fix for an otherwise bland dish.
How Do You Use It?
I’ll be sneaking in a sprinkling of this seasoning whenever possible. As the packaging suggests, you should use it for anything that you’d add garlic to—this includes meat, fish, roasted vegetables, dips, and more. Use this seasoning as a way to take your daily morning avocado toast to the next level, or to add a dash of je ne sais quoi to keep your dinner guests on their toes. Unlike the intense and often overwhelming taste of raw garlic, this product offers a subtle hint of flavor that won’t overpower your palate. Here are a few more creative ways to use it.
