Why does garlic turn purple?
In this guide, we will address and answer the query, “why does garlic turn purple?” and answer other similar related questions like “How can you tell if garlic has gone bad?” and “How do you store garlic?”
Why does garlic turn purple?
The purple color in garlic is caused by the presence of anthocyanins. These pigments are produced by the plant in response to stress, such as exposure to cold temperatures. The pigments are thought to protect the plant from damage by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Garlic also turns purple when exposed to the sun. When the garlic is exposed to the sun’s heat, the pigment in the garlic changes and causes the garlic to turn purple.
The sun’s heat breaks down the cell walls in the garlic, which releases the pigment.
The heat also causes the garlic to release a compound called allicin, which gives garlic its characteristic odor.
The copper in the garlic reacts with the sulfur in the onion to form copper sulfate, which is a blue-green compound. The blue-green color of copper sulfate can cause the garlic to turn purple.
How can you tell if garlic has gone bad?
If garlic is bad, it will have a strong, unpleasant odor. The cloves will also be discolored and may be sprouting. Feel the garlic by squeezing. Fresh garlic is firm and easy to peel. Spoilt garlic has brown spots when you peel it.
How to prevent garlic from spoiling?
Whole garlic bulbs can be stored at room temperature in a dry, dark place for up to two months. Once the bulbs are peeled, however, they should be stored in the fridge in a tightly sealed container and used within a week.
To extend the shelf life of garlic, you can also freeze it. Peel and chop the garlic, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen garlic will keep for up to six months. When storing garlic, be sure to keep it away from other foods that produce ethylene gas, such as apples, bananas, and tomatoes.
You can also mince your garlic and store it in airtight bags in the refrigerator.
How to choose fresh garlic at the grocery store?
To choose the freshest garlic, look for bulbs that are plump and firm with no signs of sprouting. The skin should be dry, not wrinkled, and the cloves should be free from mold.
Avoid garlic bulbs that are soft, bruised, or have green sprouts coming out of the cloves. When you’re ready to use the garlic, peel off the skin and chop or slice the cloves as needed.
Fresh garlic will have a strong, pungent flavor that can be mellowed by cooking. If you can’t find fresh garlic, you can also use garlic that has been peeled and chopped or minced in a jar. This type of garlic will have a more mellow flavor and can be used in recipes that call for cooked garlic.
How do you store garlic?
To store garlic, keep it in a dark, cool, and dry place. You can also keep garlic in a garlic keeper or in a mesh bag. When storing garlic, make sure that the cloves are not exposed to light or air. If they are, they will start to sprout.
To keep garlic fresh for as long as possible, do not store it in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will cause the garlic to deteriorate. If you need to store garlic for a long period of time, you can freeze it.
To do this, peel the cloves and then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Frozen garlic will keep for up to 6 months.
How do you use purple garlic?
To use purple garlic, first, peel off the skin to reveal the cloves. Cut or chop the garlic cloves as desired. Add the garlic to recipes as desired.
You can also use a garlic press. A garlic press is a kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves. chamber with a plunger on top. To use a garlic press place a garlic clove inside the chamber and press down on the plunger with your thumb or palm.
For more details on garlic, and recipes click here
Other FAQs about Garlic that you may be interested in.
How many garlic cloves yield 2 tsp garlic?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “why does garlic turn purple?” We have also discussed “How do you use purple garlic?” and “How do you store garlic?”
Hope you found this blog useful, if you have any questions, please let us know
Citations
https://www.thespruceeats.com/garlic-turns-blue-when-pickled-1327752
