Garlic Peels: Benefits and Properties - The Forgotten Culinary Treasure

Properties of Garlic Peels

Although we usually focus on garlic cloves, the peel contains nutrients that we shouldn't ignore. Here are some of its main properties:

Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic peels contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and protects cells from aging. This compound also has anti-inflammatory properties and can benefit cardiovascular health.

Antimicrobial properties: Although in lower concentrations than garlic cloves, garlic peels also contain antimicrobial compounds that help strengthen the immune system.

Source of fiber: If you consume garlic peels in preparations such as broths or infusions, you'll be adding natural fiber to your diet, which improves digestion and promotes intestinal health. Improves skin and hair: The antioxidants present in garlic peels can contribute to healthier skin and prevent hair loss by stimulating blood circulation.

Now that we know their benefits, let's move on to the kitchen to put them to good use.

Recipe: Aromatic Broth with Garlic Peels

This recipe uses garlic peels to create a versatile and flavorful broth that you can use as a base for soups, stews, rice dishes, or even as a comforting hot beverage.

Ingredients

10-12 garlic peels (washed to remove any dirt).

1 large onion (with skin, for a more intense color).

2 medium carrots, cut into large chunks.

1 stalk of celery.

2 bay leaves.

1 small piece of ginger (optional, for a spicier touch).

8-10 black peppercorns.

2 liters of water.

Salt to taste.

Preparation

Cleaning the peels:

Before starting, make sure the garlic peels are clean. You can rinse them with cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.

Optional toasting:

If you want a deeper, smokier flavor, toast the garlic peels in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until they release a strong aroma.

Cooking:

In a large pot, add the garlic peels, onion (with skin), carrots, celery, bay leaves, ginger, and peppercorns. Cover with 2 liters of water and bring to a boil.

Simmering:

Once the water has boiled, reduce the heat and let the broth simmer for 40-50 minutes. This will allow the flavors to fully develop.

Straining and Storage:

Remove from the heat and strain the broth to remove any solids. Pour the liquid into an airtight container and let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. You can keep it for up to 5 days or freeze it in individual portions for later use.

How to Use It:

This broth is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a base for vegetable soups, risottos, or even drink it on its own as a hot infusion. It's comforting, packed with nutrients, and has a unique flavor thanks to the garlic.

Bonus Tips:

Smart Freezing:

If you generate a lot of garlic peels, freeze them in an airtight bag until you have enough to make the broth. You can also freeze the broth in ice cube trays to use small portions as needed.

Infusion:

If you don't have time to make a full broth, boil a few garlic peels in water, add honey and lemon, and enjoy an antioxidant-rich infusion.

Use as a powder:

If you have a dehydrator or a low-temperature oven, you can dry the garlic peels and then grind them into a fine powder. This powder can be used as a seasoning for salads, pasta, or stir-fries.

Conclusion: Garlic peels are not just kitchen waste; they are an untapped source of flavor and health benefits. Incorporating them into recipes like broths or infusions is a great way to reduce food waste and add nutrients to your diet. Furthermore, exploring their use will help you diversify your recipes and add a special touch to your dishes.

Give this recipe a try and experiment with garlic peels in your cooking! You'll be surprised by how much these thin, high-potential layers can offer!