Garlic powder is a spice that is derived from dehydrated garlic and used in cooking for flavour enhancement. The process of making garlic powder includes drying and dehydrating the vegetable, then powdering it through machinery or home-based appliances depending on the scale of production. Garlic powder is a common component of spice mix. It is also a common component of seasoned salt.

There are two types of garlic species: Softneck (Allium Sativum Sativum) and Hardneck (Allium Sativum Ophioscorodon). Hardneck garlic varieties are believed to have more flavour than Softneck garlics, characterized by a spicy and more complex taste than other garlic strands.While Hardneck Garlics flourish in cold weather, due to their extensive time of vernalization, Softnecks seemingly grow better in warmer climates. Distinguishing between a Hardneck and Softneck garlic is done through the presence of a scape (flower stalk).The garlic species most commonly used to powder is the Softneck variety. Due to their less-complex scent and taste, the Softneck species are more suited as a garnish or spice in dishes and also have a longer storage life than Hardneck varieties.

1. Noodles in Chinese Style

Add a Chinese zing to your desi noodles by adding a dash of garlic powder. You can add it while cooking or use it later as a sprinkler. Garlic powder is absorbed instantly and the beautiful aroma gives the dish an authentic Chinese touch as well as an interesting twist to the regular noodles.

2. “Sauce” it up

Take your sauce game a notch higher by adding garlic powder as one of the ingredients. Garlic powder will not only enrich the taste but will also add more aroma to the sauce. The beautiful aroma will impart a rare “freshness” to the sauce and eventually the dish too. You can also mix the garlic powder in the sauce right before serving it, however, be careful with the quantity and don’t overdo it. As garlic may mask the aroma and taste of other ingredients.

3. Authentic Desi Pickles

Indian pickles have always been one of the most popular traditional condiments which are savoured since ages. You can’t find a single Indian household which doesn’t have a traditional recipe for a unique “family pickle”. And garlic is one of the quintessential parts of most of these recipes.