A garlic press is a small tool that you can use to crush garlic cloves. It’s made up of a plunger and a cylindrical chamber. Depending on the type of press you have, when you put the garlic cloves inside the chamber and press the plunger, they get crushed or minced into small pieces. Using a garlic press saves you time and effort compared to chopping garlic with a knife. You can add the crushed garlic to salads, roasted dishes, and stir-fries to give them extra flavor.
1. How to Use a Garlic Press
- Choose fresh garlic: Start by selecting fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor and ease of pressing. Avoid using garlic cloves that are old, dry, or have begun to sprout.
- Peel the garlic cloves: Remove the papery skin from the garlic cloves. You can do this by gently pressing the flat side of a chef’s knife onto the clove or using your fingers to peel it away.
- Prepare the garlic press: Open the garlic press by separating the handles or swinging the lever, depending on the type of garlic press you have. Make sure the chamber where the garlic is placed is clear and ready for the cloves.
- Insert the garlic cloves: Place one or more peeled garlic cloves into the chamber of the garlic press. Make sure the flat side of the clove is facing down towards the tiny holes of the press.
- Press the garlic: Close the handles or bring down the lever firmly and apply pressure to the garlic cloves. The cloves will be pushed through the small holes, resulting in crushed or minced garlic being expelled from the press.
- Collect the garlic: As you press the cloves, crushed or minced garlic will come out of the press. You can collect it directly into a bowl, onto a cutting board, or any other desired container.
- Clean the garlic press: After use, it’s important to clean the garlic press to remove any remaining garlic or residue. You can do this by rinsing it under warm water or using a small brush to remove any stuck garlic pieces. Dry it thoroughly before storing.
- Enjoy your freshly pressed garlic: The crushed or minced garlic obtained from the press can be used in various recipes, such as sauces, dressings, marinades, or sautés, to add delicious flavor to your dishes.
The garlic press is a necessary utensil tool in the kitchen because it can do so much more than just crush garlic. Its versatility makes it a valuable culinary item. Here are some things you can easily chop using a garlic press: garlic, chili peppers, onions, olives, radishes, and spices.
>> In this video, show you how to use a garlic press:
2. Garlic storage method
Choose a place that is cold, dark, and dry to keep whole garlic bulbs; do not use the refrigerator. The bulbs can stay fresh for months in this excellent storage condition. But after you open the package and peel the garlic cloves, you need to take a different course of action.
You can store peeled garlic cloves in white vinegar in the refrigerator for a number of months. Garlic that has been minced can also be frozen in olive oil. Keep in mind that storing fresh garlic in olive oil in the refrigerator or a temperature room has a risk of spreading bacteria.
3. FAQs
3.1. Can I use the garlic press with unpeeled garlic cloves?
No, peeling the garlic cloves is advised before using the garlic press. In order to promote smoother operation and avoid any undesirable detritus in the minced garlic, remove the skin.
3.2. What size of garlic cloves should I use in the garlic press?
The ideal garlic cloves to use are medium in size and should fit easily inside the garlic press chamber. While tiny cloves might not be successfully chopped, larger cloves can take more pressure to press.
3.3. Can I press multiple garlic cloves at once?
To ensure consistent and effective mincing, it is typically advised to press one garlic clove at a time. Pressing several cloves at once could lead to uneven mincing or strain the press.
3.4. Can I use the garlic press for other ingredients besides garlic?
A garlic press can also be used to mince other delicate components, such as chili peppers, onions, olives, radishes, and spices.
3.5. What can I do if the garlic gets stuck in the press?
If garlic becomes stuck in the press, loosen it by gently tapping the handle or lever on a flat surface. To get rid of any obstinate garlic fragments, you can either use a toothpick or a little brush.
3.6. What happens if you don’t peel garlic when using a garlic press?
If you don’t peel the garlic, the press may struggle to crush the cloves effectively, resulting in incomplete or unevenly crushed garlic. Moreover, the press will push some of the garlic through the small holes, but the skin will remain intact. This can lead to minced garlic with bits of skin still attached, which can be unpleasant to eat and affect the texture of your dish.
3.7. How do you peel garlic easily?
Put the head of garlic that has been cut off in a bowl that can go in the microwave. Add to the bowl two teaspoons of water. Olive oil should be drizzled over the garlic. Add a little salt to the garlic. Reapply the reserved top to the garlic. A plate should be used to enclose the bowl. When the garlic is very soft, microwave on medium heat for 8 to 9 minutes.
3.8. What is the difference between mincing garlic and using garlic press?
Using a garlic press produces a fine and evenly minced garlic, ensuring consistent flavor distribution throughout the dish.
Foodsforday is the founder of the Foods For Day blog. A lover of cooking, sharing and synthesizing cooking experiences on recipes, kitchen utensils, and spices.