Black Garlic Kitchen
Black Garlic Kitchen
Black Garlic is thought to have originated in South Eastern Asia. It is produced from white garlic bulbs which have been slowly baked at low temperature over several weeks. During this process the cloves are transformed into a dramatic black colour and the texture becomes soft and jelly-like. Black Garlic’s sweet yet savoury undertones lend richness and unexpected depth to both savoury and sweet dishes making it a wonderful addition to all kinds of recipes.
While you can use Black Garlic in many of the same ways as white garlic, it isn’t a substitute. Black Garlic’s inimitable flavour and versatility makes recipes that little more exciting by adding a subtle flavour without overwhelming a dish.
Appearance: The bulbs are papery thin and once opened reveal charcoal black cloves. Softer than white garlic the cloves are spongy and sticky with a marshmallow texture.
Taste: Earthy and robust, rich and complex with sweet yet savoury tanginess. BG’s flavour compares with tamarind, aged balsamic vinegar, dark chocolate, molasses and dried fruits with umami notes of soy sauce. Unlike white garlic the flavour is milder and mellower and does not leave a pungent garlic odour on the breath.
Qualities: A number of research papers document its beneficial nutritional properties; a true superfood. BG is gluten free and vegetarian and vegan friendly. Sweet from natural sugars it can be eaten solo as a healthy snack.
Products & Retailers: We are always being asked where we obtain Black Garlic and Black Garlic Products we use in our recipes. Black Garlic Kitchen sources Black Garlic directly from the UK producer Original Black Garlic. The Original Black Garlic range can be found in their online shop, at supermarkets and in independent retailers. We also use a range of Black Garlic products from The Garlic Farm Isle of Wight and Craic Foods Limited. All these products have been utilised in the Black Garlic Kitchen and are thoroughly recommended by us.
After 36 years of nurturing young minds as an Early Years Teacher, I felt it was time for a new chapter – one that allowed me to immerse myself in my true ‘happy place’ – the kitchen. Cooking has always been my sanctuary, a space where I find joy in experimenting and creating. As an adventurous home cook, Black Garlic has been my secret ingredient, infusing everyday recipes with its rich, complex flavour since 2009.
Black Garlic Kitchen was born out of a deeply personal journey. In the wake of bereavement, I channelled my grief into something constructive, something that would honour the memory of those I loved. This venture quickly became a family project, with each member bringing their unique skills to the table. My sister, with no prior experience, taught herself web development to help bring this dream to life. Together, we crafted the recipes that now grace this site. Family members contributed their expertise in areas like food safety, IT, nutrition, art, design, photography, and even homegrown produce. Our nephews, with their youthful wisdom, guided us through the ever-evolving world of social media, ensuring that even the most seasoned among us could keep up!
The heart of Black Garlic Kitchen lies in the love of good food that our parents instilled in us. Our home was always filled with the aroma of comforting, lovingly prepared meals. Mum was an exceptional cook, and Dad, the King of foodie adventures, ensured that our table was always open to friends and family. They created a home where food was not just sustenance, but a way to bring people together, to create and share memories that would last a lifetime.
Black Garlic Kitchen is a tribute to them – Eunice and Alan – and to the warmth, love, and laughter they brought into our lives through food. Our goal is to create a one-stop library of family-friendly, tried-and-tested recipes that showcase Black Garlic as a unique and versatile ingredient.
We believe in the power of food to create nostalgia, to bring joy, and to multiply happiness when shared. So, carpe diem! Embrace the adventure of cooking with Black Garlic and create your own food memories.
For you, Mum and Dad – forever in our hearts xxxxxxx
Now you know more, go ahead and browse BGK’s extensive recipe library.