Elephant Garlic

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Because it’s milder and less pungent than regular garlic, elephant garlic can be enjoyed sliced raw in salads.

Although it looks like a giant head of garlic, elephant garlic is actually a relative of the leek. Despite its gigantic size—each clove may be as large as an entire head of regular garlic—its flavour is milder than garlic.

Varieties

Aside from elephant garlic itself, no other versions of this food exist at this time.

Buying and Storing Tips

Elephant garlic is more perishable than garlic. It often has a pleasant, pale yellow colour.

Purchase firm, plump bulbs with dry skins. Avoid heads with soft or shriveled cloves, and those stored in the refrigerated section of the produce department. Store fresh elephant garlic in an open container (away from other foods and in a cool, dark place), for up to six weeks. Once the cloves are separated from the bulb, continue to store in this fashion and use within one week.

Availability

Elephant garlic is widely available in food markets, particularly in the early fall.

Preparation, uses, and tips

It’s possible to use cloves of elephant garlic as a vegetable—sliced and sautéed in butter or olive oil—as well as a flavouring agent. Each clove slips nicely out of its papery skin, and, in theory, one clove of elephant is equal in size and weight to about 18 to 20 cloves of regular garlic. Elephant garlic is a good choice if you want to impart the taste of garlic to a delicately flavored dish.

Once cooked or grilled, elephant garlic takes on a gentle, sweet taste. Eat it by itself or spread it on a piece of Italian bread. Because it’s milder and less pungent than garlic, elephant garlic can be enjoyed sliced raw in salads.

When cooking elephant garlic, be aware that it tends to brown even more quickly than other types of garlic, and this may give it a bitter taste.

Nutritional Highlights

Elephant Garlic (raw, chopped), 3 tablespoons (9g)
Calories: 13.4
Protein: 0.6g
Carbohydrate: 3g
Total Fat: 0.04g
Fiber: 0.2g

Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for vegetables
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other vegetables. Read about health benefits and concerns for vegetables for a full description.