Can you eat garlic with a green center?

In this brief guide, we will answer the query, “Can you eat garlic with the green center?” and will discuss how to remove garlic sprouts.

Can you eat garlic with a green center?

Yes, you can eat garlic with a green center. Garlic with a green center is also called garlic sprouts. The bitterness of the sprouts might be more pronounced in delicate dishes like aioli, mayonnaise, or salad dressing.

A simple method for getting rid of the green sprout

Once you’ve sliced the garlic in half lengthwise, use your finger to pluck out the green sprout. Once the garlic has been discarded, it may be sliced, chopped, or minced.

How come your garlic has sprouted?

Store-bought soft neck garlic (Allium sativum) is the most common kind seen in supermarkets. According to researchers, low temperature causes sugar changes in garlic, qualitatively and quantitatively which finally promotes its sprouting. Garlic sprouting at low temperature is attributed to a complex of biochemical reactions which is carried out by interposition of different enzymes. Similarly, increment of chilling treatment days increased chlorophyll, Carotenoid, amylase and Invertase. While in this period of time, sucrose and starch are consumed at a high content. A part of non-consumed carbohydrates causes glucose increscent of garlic tissue and sprouting (1). 

Garlic storage

• Garlic may be stored in an airtight container
• Garlic is less likely to sprout when kept in a cool, dry place like a pantry. However, the temperature should not be in the refrigerator, since the storage of garlic bulbs in a cold environment eliminates dormancy and stimulates sprouting (1). In a mesh bag, paper bag, or breathable basket, 60 to 65°F (15 to 18 degrees C) is optimal. For a few months, this may prolong the life of the device!

Benefits of eating sprouted garlic

Anti-cancer properties

Produces phytochemicals that have extraordinary capabilities, such as the capacity to limit the spread of cancer cells and suppress carcinogen activity (cancer-causing chemicals) on the body, as garlic sprouts. The antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties of garlic provide cancer chemopreventive interventions. Several mechanisms are involved in these properties, including activation of detoxification phase‑I and II enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and reducing DNA damage (2). 

Garlic is also a good source of antioxidants, which may help scavenge free oxygen radicals, which are a major cause of cancer. A study demonstrated that sprouting garlic stimulates the production of various phytochemicals that improve health and increases the antioxidant properties of garlic (3). 

Protects your heart

 The same as carcinogen-blocking phytochemicals may also improve enzyme function and stop the actions that contribute to plaque buildup, which is a major contributor to heart disease. Because of this, heart disease and heart attacks are less likely to occur. 

Evidence from recent years suggests that oxidation of LDL contributes majorly in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL, but not native LDL, promotes vascular dysfunction by exerting direct cytotoxicity toward endothelial cells. Experimental evidence shows that several garlic compounds can effectively suppress LDL oxidation in vitro. Moreover, in a study, short‑term supplementation of garlic in human subjects has demonstrated an increased resistance of LDL to oxidation (2).

Prevent strokes

Ajoene, a chemical that inhibits the development of blood clots, is found in garlic on its own. Nitrites, a chemical that aids in the dilation of the arteries, are also found in abundance in this dish. Stroke prevention is made easier by combining the two of these exercises (a condition caused by the formation of a blood clot in the blood vessels of the brain). The reduction of arterial blood pressure induced by garlic supplementation is due to an additional opening of K(Ca) ion channels in the membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells that affects its hyperpolarisation. This membrane hyperpolarization closes about 20% of the L‑type Ca2+ channels, the consequence of which is vasodilatation. These pleiotropic effects of garlic result in a reduction of relative cardiovascular risk for infarction and stroke by more than 50% (2).

You’re wondering why sprouted garlic is more effective in preventing strokes. There are a lot of phytochemicals in a garlic pod while it is sprouting, and these phytochemicals not only improve and prevent the function of existing compounds in garlic but also make it an even stronger agent against strokes. The sprouting of plant seeds usually promotes the ‘de novo’ synthesis of bioactive compounds called phytoalexins that protect the plant from various exogenous insults. This increases the health promoting properties of sprout when compared to non-sprouted plants (3).

Prevent premature aging

Scavenging free radicals in the body, which is the primary cause of premature aging, is what antioxidants do to help keep wrinkles at bay. Research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that sprouted garlic pods with a five-day sprouting period had the most antioxidant activity, making it an excellent health supplement. Wrinkles will be prevented, but organs may also be protected against decomposition (something that takes place as we age) (3).

Boost immune system

Your immune system will be boosted by sprouted garlic if you often get colds and flu or other diseases. You get a substantial dosage of antioxidants from sprouted garlic, particularly those that have sprouted for five days. These antioxidants, in turn, enhance your immune system by preserving the exact cells that fight off infections. Here’s a great opportunity to stock up on sprouting garlic if you want to remain healthy all year long.

Moreover, studies show that garlic stimulates proliferation of lymphocytes and macrophage phagocytosis, and induces the infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes in transplanted tumors. It also produces splenic hypertrophy; stimulating release of interleukin‑2, tumor necrosis factor‑alpha and interferon‑gamma. Garlic also enhances natural killer cell, killer cell and lymphokine‑activated killer cell activity. These activities represent effective stimulation of the immune response (2).

Maintain a healthy blood pressure level

 A compound in garlic known as allicin inhibits the function of angiotensin II, a protein that raises blood pressure.

Red blood cells convert polysulphides in Garlic into hydrogen sulfide, a gas that dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Natural alternatives to blood pressure medication may be an option for you if your readings are high enough to warrant a change.

A meta‑analysis of studies investigating the effect of garlic in blood pressure showed a mean decrease of 4.6±2.8 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the garlic group compared with placebo (P=0.001), while the mean decrease in the hypertensive subgroup was 8.4±2.8 mm Hg for SBP (P<0.001) and 7.3±1.5 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressures (DBP) (P<0.001). Thus, meta‑analysis suggests that garlic preparations are superior to placebo in reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension (2).

Growing Garlic Sprouts

If garlic is left out in the open, it will usually grow on its own. You may, however, sprout them at home without drying them out by following these instructions.

Gently insert two toothpicks into each side of a garlic pod without peeling it. Make sure the toothpicks are positioned on the pod’s meaty side. Fill a tiny, thin glass cup halfway with water (daily tap water should work well). Do not tamper with the water in any way once the garlic pod has been placed on the lip of the glass, use the two toothpicks as supports to hold it in place. 

On a window sill, but this glass. Ensure that the tip is immersed in the water for at least five days. Once the garlic has sprouted, it is safe to wash and consume.

Other FAQs about Garlic that you may be interested in.

What’s a clove of garlic?

How to preserve garlic in oil?

Can you eat wild garlic bulbs?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the query, “Can you eat garlic with the green center?” and discussed how to remove garlic sprouts.

References

1. Atashi, Sadegh, et al. Garlic physiological characteristics from harvest to sprouting in response to low temperature. J Stored Prod Postharv Res, 2011, 2, 285-291.
2. Bhandari, Prasan R. Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A review of potential therapeutic applications. Int J Green Pharm, 2012, 6.
3. Zakarova, Alexandra, et al. Garlic sprouting is associated with increased antioxidant activity and concomitant changes in the metabolite profile. J Agric Food Chem, 2014, 62, 1875-1880.