1. Definition and Source
Dehydrated Garlic:
Dehydrated garlic typically refers to garlic flakes or dried garlic, which are made by removing the moisture from fresh garlic through specific dehydration processes. The raw materials used are often lower-quality garlic, such as small cloves, bruised bulbs, or damaged garlic segments. In the market, dehydrated garlic is commonly sold as garlic flakes, which are uniform in shape, light yellow in color, and have a pure garlic aroma.
Regular Garlic:
Regular garlic is the fresh garlic commonly found in daily life. It consists of multiple cloves, usually between 6 to 15, arranged in a circular pattern around the basal stem. Each bulb is wrapped in several layers of papery skin.
2. Appearance and Texture
Dehydrated Garlic:
Dehydrated garlic flakes or dried pieces are dry, lightweight, and significantly reduced in volume compared to fresh garlic. The flakes have a pale yellow hue and a tidy appearance.
Regular Garlic:
Fresh garlic cloves are plump and juicy, with thin but tightly wrapped layers of skin. The overall color is usually white or slightly purple.
3. Flavor and Usage
Dehydrated Garlic:
With moisture removed, dehydrated garlic has a more intense and concentrated flavor, though the texture may not be as tender as fresh garlic. The flakes can be rehydrated in warm water and used all year round. They are commonly used as an ingredient or seasoning in cooking, and can also be processed into garlic powder.
Regular Garlic:
The flavor compounds in regular garlic are distributed among the cloves, offering a milder and fresher taste. It is frequently used in cooking as minced garlic or slices and can also be eaten raw or pickled.
4. Nutritional Value and Storage
Dehydrated Garlic:
Some nutrients such as vitamins and minerals may be lost during the dehydration process, but beneficial compounds like allicin are largely retained. Dehydrated garlic is convenient for storage and transport due to its low moisture content and typically has a longer shelf life.
Regular Garlic:
Fresh garlic contains a rich variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and active compounds like allicin. It offers the highest nutritional value when consumed fresh, but has a shorter shelf life and requires proper storage to maintain freshness.
5. Price and Accessibility
Dehydrated Garlic:
The price of dehydrated garlic can vary based on the processing method, raw material quality, and market demand. Its ease of storage and convenience make it relatively accessible in the market.
Regular Garlic:
Regular garlic is generally stable in price and widely available as a common kitchen staple.
Conclusion
Dehydrated garlic and regular garlic differ significantly in terms of definition, appearance, flavor, nutritional value, storage, and price. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and cooking habits.