The Healing Power of Spices: A Guide to Health Benefits In this comprehensive guide from…
Unveiling the Essence of Garlic for Catering: Insights into Varieties and Health Benefits
As National Garlic Day approaches on April 19th, Seasonings and marinades company UAE turning the spotlight of World of Spice onto the culinary gem that is garlic. Revered globally for its enchanting flavor, garlic pairs harmoniously with an array of spices and herbs, enhancing the savory allure of countless dishes.
The Nature of Garlic:
Nestled beneath the earth’s surface, garlic presents itself as a bulb, sometimes reaching a towering height of 2 feet. Its vibrant green shoots give rise to edible flower stalks, or scapes, while the bulb hides beneath protective layers of inedible skin. Comprising multiple cloves, the fleshy bulb serves as the culinary treasure. When cooked, garlic’s character transforms from potent and pungent to a captivating aroma.
A Kinship with Onions:
Remarkably, garlic shares its lineage with the onion family. Both garlic and onions hold a sulphur-based enzyme within tiny cells within their flesh. Slicing or crushing them ruptures these cells, releasing fragrant chemicals. The enzyme in onions becomes airborne, which explains the tear-inducing effect while chopping them.
Herb, Spice, or Vegetable?
The botanical classification of garlic often sparks debate—is it a herb, a spice, or a vegetable? Although possessing attributes of a root vegetable due to its bulb and stem, garlic’s usage aligns more with that of a spice or herb. It’s typically employed in small quantities to impart robust flavor. Garlic powder, a spice derived from dehydrated garlic, adds depth to various dishes.
Global Origins:
While native to Asia, garlic also thrives in the wilds of Italy and Southern France. Mediterranean diets have long embraced garlic as a staple, and its influence extends to African, Asian, and European cuisines. Presently, China leads the world in garlic production, trailed by India, South Korea, Egypt, and Russia.
The Healing Power of Garlic:
Among the plethora of herbs with potential health benefits, garlic stands out for its remarkable healing properties. Often hailed as “nature’s wonder drug,” garlic is celebrated for boosting immunity and historically addressing an array of medical conditions. Its potent bioactive compounds and nutrient content include vitamins B6 and C, essential minerals, and 17 amino acids.
Garlic is renowned for its potential to prevent ailments like colds and flu. Active compounds have shown efficacy in reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and chronic fatigue. The medical community even advocates for daily garlic supplementation to promote overall well-being.
Diverse Garlic Varieties:
Delving into the world of spices and herbs for catering, garlic offers a diverse range of choices. Two primary categories of garlic exist: Softneck (Allium Sativum) and Hardneck (Allium Ophioscorodon or Stiffneck). Within Softneck, distinctions are made between artichoke and silverskin varieties, both commonly found in local supermarkets due to their extended shelf life.
Hardneck Garlic, exemplified by the “Rocambole” type, boasts large, easily peelable cloves with intensified flavors. However, the shorter shelf life is attributed to the convenience of peeling. Notably, Hardneck Garlic features a flowering stem, known as a scape.
Garlic's Identity: A Strain of Diversity:
It’s worth noting that the diversity of garlic plant varieties defies strict categorization. Different names can sometimes denote similar plant characteristics, while identical names might yield strikingly distinct appearances and tastes. These variations are attributed to strains rather than “pure” garlic plant varieties, which underscores the influence of growth conditions.
In the vibrant tapestry of culinary exploration, garlic remains a cherished thread, woven intricately into the fabric of cuisines worldwide. As you embark on your gastronomic journey, consider the many dimensions and subtleties of this humble yet impactful ingredient.
Schone,, a seasoned player in the realm of seasonings and marinades, stands ready to elevate your culinary creations. Drawing inspiration from the diverse landscape of spices, our offerings bring a symphony of flavors to your dishes. With a presence in the UAE and powered by the essence of Schone Saudi Arabia, we invite you to embrace the art of culinary innovation.
1. Start by cutting the halal sirloin steak into pieces about 1 inch in size. Do the same with the zucchinis, red onion, bell pepper, and squashes. You want them to be similar in size so they cook evenly on the grill.
2. Put the sliced steak and chopped vegetables into a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a good sprinkle of a halal-friendly seasoning mix, like Back of the Yards.
3. Gently mix everything in the bowl so that the oil and seasoning coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Thread the marinated steak and vegetables onto skewers. Alternate the pieces to create colorful and tasty combinations on each skewer.
5. If you’re using a grill, preheat it to high heat. Put the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them as the cooking time might vary based on your grill and your desired level of doneness.