This simple infusion is delicious for cooking and can add flavor to many dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled garlic cloves
- 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
- Sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions
Step 1
Peel the garlic cloves and pat them completely dry.
Step 2
Place the garlic into the sterilized jar.
Step 3
Pour the olive oil over the garlic until all cloves are fully submerged.
Step 4
Seal the jar tightly.
Step 5
For safety, store garlic-in-oil in the refrigerator and use within 1 week, or freeze portions for longer storage. Garlic stored in oil at room temperature can allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism.
How to Enjoy Garlic
Use fresh garlic in:
- Soups
- Pasta dishes
- Stir-fries
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad dressings
- Marinades
- Homemade bread
Crushing garlic and letting it sit for about 10 minutes before cooking may help maximize the formation of allicin.
Who Should Be Careful?
Garlic is safe for most people in normal food amounts, but larger amounts may not be suitable for everyone.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you:
- Take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Are preparing for surgery
- Experience frequent heartburn or stomach irritation after eating garlic
Final Thoughts
Garlic is a nutritious food with compounds that have shown antimicrobial and antioxidant effects in laboratory research. It may support immune and cardiovascular health as part of a balanced diet. However, there is no reliable evidence that garlic alone can cure infections or replace antibiotics.
Enjoy garlic for its flavor and potential health benefits, but seek appropriate medical care if you have signs of a serious or persistent infection, such as high fever, severe pain, or symptoms that do not improve.
