Summary

The web content explains the benefits and methods of smashing garlic using natural stones for a more flavorful and healthful culinary experience.

Abstract

The article titled "Why and How to Smash Your Garlic" emphasizes the importance of smashing garlic to maximize the creation of allicin, a compound responsible for garlic's distinctive taste and health benefits. It suggests a primitive yet effective method of using two smooth stones, a base stone and a hand-held stone, to smash the garlic. This method is presented as not only a way to enhance the garlic's flavor but also as an opportunity to connect with nature through rockhounding, which can improve physical health and mental well-being. The process involves placing an unpeeled garlic clove on the base stone, smashing it with the hand-held stone, waiting for the allicin to develop, and then easily peeling and using the garlic in various recipes. The article also touches on the health benefits of garlic, including its use in preventing and treating various conditions related to the heart and blood system, and potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Opinions

The author is enthusiastic about the benefits of smashing garlic, highlighting the joy and satisfaction derived from the process.
There is a clear preference for the stone-smashing method over using a chef's knife or garlic press, with the latter being criticized for its inefficiency and lack of flavor.
The article promotes the idea that the act of finding the perfect stones for smashing garlic can be a meditative and rewarding experience that connects one to the earth.
The author values the health benefits of garlic, suggesting that its inclusion in the diet can contribute to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Engaging in outdoor activities like rockhounding is seen as superior to urban exercises for its additional benefits of muscle strengthening, balance improvement, and mental well-being.
The author invites readers to share their own experiences with rockhounding and garlic smashing, indicating a community-oriented approach and interest in reader engagement.

Why and How to Smash Your Garlic

For a happier, healthier, smellier you!

Why smash garlic?

Here’s the scientific explanation. Smashing or crushing a clove of garlic breaks down the cell walls of the clove quickly, causing an enzyme reaction that creates a new Sulphur compound, allicin. Allicin is responsible for that instantly recognizable garlicky-smelling taste. Smashing a clove of garlic breaks more cell walls than slicing, cutting, or mincing the clove with a knife. As a result, smashing or crushing garlic triggers the maximum creation of allicin and releases its most potent flavor.

That’s the why, but the fun is in the how. I’m hooked for sure! Here’s how.

Move over chef’s knife and garlic press.

Sure, you can use the flat side of your chef’s knife and whack a clove of garlic on a cutting board. But then there’s the safety concern. Let alone the hours of practice to perfect your culinary technique. Then it gets boring.

Or you can press a clove of garlic thru a garlic press. Just Google that subject, and the reviews will convince you to throw out your garlic press if you have one. Simply put, you end up with garlic paste without much oil, which is left behind in the press. As a result, the taste of the paste is paste.

But wait! There’s a more primitive method.

How to smash garlic

Step 1. Take a hike

Reap the healthy exercise benefits of getting out into nature and going rockhounding. Get off the beaten path and hike along stream beds, mountains, canyons, deserts, and any place with rocks. You will not find the right rocks to make your garlic smasher along a paved asphalt trail through a city park.

By getting away from city streets and manicured parks, you will find three rewards (at least):

Hiking on rocks and climbing boulders improves leg muscles, balance, and concentration.
Searching for rocks in their natural environment brings you closer to understanding the earth’s natural systems and appreciating the beauty you will find there. Just picking up rocks and studying their elements brings about a sense of awe and appreciation of nature and your sense of well-being.
Finding the perfect rock that fits your hand for your stone garlic smasher connects you to the earth and gives you good vibes and memories of your hike every time you smash a clove of garlic. Happiness happens when you smash a lot of garlic!

Whether along a mountain river or stream, on an ocean beach, or in the high desert (where there used to be rivers), you want to find a waterway beach with fist-sized rocks that have been tumbled by water currents and now have smooth sides.

If not possible to go rockhounding in the mountains, deserts, or river beds, try rockhounding in local landscaping supply stores and rockeries. Nature brings her awe-inspiring beauty with her wherever you find rocks. It’s still fun sorting through all those rocks to find just the right stone that fits perfectly in your hand.

So, get out there and find two smooth rocks; a base stone and a hand-held stone. The base stone should be the biggest one and have two flat sides. The hand-held stone should have a flat undersurface and a rounded upper surface that fits in the ball of your hand. It should feel something like holding a big computer mouse.

Step 2. Place an unpeeled clove of garlic on the flat base stone

Step 3. Smash the garlic

Do this before you slice, chop or mince garlic.

Grip the rounded top of the hand-held stone with your hand being careful NOT to have your fingers below or under the flat side of that stone.

Give the garlic a firm WHACK with the flat side of the hand-held stone. Wow — feel the power of that! I love recipes that call for lots of garlic.

Step 4. Wait 10 minutes

Wait approximately 10 minutes before peeling the garlic so that the chemical reaction caused by splitting the cell walls results in maximum creation of allicin. Remember, that’s the yummy garlicky-smelling stuff!

Step 5. Slice off the root end of the clove

Step 6. Easily remove the peels with your fingers

Step 7. Cook or eat raw (for the brave)

Now you can slice, chop, mince, or use the garlic clove in its whole smashed condition.

Step 8. Enjoy!

When not using your stones to smash garlic, place them on your kitchen window sill and enjoy your sculpture while visions of wild rivers and mountain canyons take you outside!

For a happier, healthier, smellier you!

Garlic has been used widely as a flavoring in cooking and medicine throughout ancient and modern history. As a result, it has prevented and treated many conditions and diseases.

Medical News Today reports the many health benefits of garlic in your diet. Currently, garlic is widely used for several conditions linked to the blood system and heart, including:

· Hardening of the arteries

· High cholesterol

· Heart attack

· Hypertension

Intake of garlic is also linked to preventing certain types of cancer, including lung cancer, brain cancer, and prostate cancer.

Ode to the awesome flavor, taste, and health benefits of garlic!

I would love to hear about your rockhounding hikes and garlic smashing recipes. Please leave me a comment about your experiences, including an “OK to share,” and I will shout out your name and comment in a follow-up article.

Thanks for reading and commenting!

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