I. Introduction.
Sweet garlic is a traditional Chinese snack that is loved for its sweet and sour taste. In the process of marinating sweet garlic, how to maintain its authentic taste and texture is crucial. This article will reveal the authentic method of three catties of garlic pickled garlic, so that you can enjoy the traditional delicacy at home.
2. Material selection and preparation.
Garlic: Use fresh, plump garlic heads, preferably purple-skinned garlic, which has a lighter spicy flavor and a better taste. Cut off the roots of the garlic and peel off the outer skin, leaving two layers of inner skin.
Seasoning: brown sugar, white vinegar, salt, ginger slices, star anise, Sichuan pepper, etc.
Containers: Use clean, oil-free glass bottles or ceramic jars for pickling containers.
Third, the production process.
Salt water soaking: Put the processed garlic in cold boiled water, add an appropriate amount of table salt, and soak for 12 hours to remove the pungent taste. Replace the saline once during this period.
Dry: Remove the soaked garlic and dry it with a clean towel or paper towel.
Boil sweet and sour sauce: Pour an appropriate amount of white vinegar into the pot, add brown sugar, ginger slices, star anise, Sichuan pepper and other seasonings, and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to completely dissolve the sugar in the vinegar.
Cool sweet and sour sauce: Pour the boiled sweet and sour sauce into a container and set aside to cool.
Marinate: Place the processed garlic in a cooled sweet and sour sauce, making sure all the garlic is completely soaked in the juice. Add salt and stir well.
Sealed container: Place the marinated sweet garlic in the prepared container, screw the lid tightly and place in a cool and ventilated place.
Pickling time: Marinate for about 20 days, and the sugar and garlic can be eaten. The container can be opened at any time during the period, but make sure the container is well sealed.
4. Tips and precautions.
Selection: The key is to choose fresh and plump garlic, so that the pickled sweet garlic tastes better. At the same time, the use of high-quality white vinegar and brown sugar can also enhance the taste and flavor of sugar garlic.
Salt water soaking: Salt water soaking can effectively remove the pungent taste of garlic and make it softer on the palate. Soak for a sufficient amount of time, and change the brine once during the period to better remove the pungency.
Sweet and sour sauce: When boiling sweet and sour sauce, simmer slowly to ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved in the vinegar. At the same time, the amount of seasoning added should also be appropriate, too much or too little will affect the flavor of sweet and sour sauce.
Sealed containers: The container for pickling sugar garlic must be well sealed to avoid gas entering and causing the sugar garlic to deteriorate. After screwing the lid tightly, the container can be turned upside down to allow the air bubbles in the container to drain, which can better maintain the freshness of the sweet garlic.
Storage environment: The marinated sweet garlic should be placed in a cool and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. This extends the shelf life of the sweet garlic while also preserving its taste and flavor.
Utensils cleaning: Used tools and containers must be cleaned in time to avoid residues affecting the next pickling. In particular, the container must be dried before use, so as not to cause mold growth.
Healthy eating: Preserved foods, while delicious, should not be consumed in excess. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet with other ingredients is key.
Safety tip: During the preparation and storage of sweet garlic, make sure that the container is well sealed to avoid gas ingress and spoilage. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to food hygiene and safety to avoid food contamination and cross-infection. If in doubt or if you find any abnormalities, you should stop consuming it promptly and consult a professional.
V. Conclusion. Through the introduction of the above steps and skills, I believe you will be able to successfully make authentic and delicious three-pound garlic pickled garlic. While enjoying traditional deliciousness, it is also important to pay attention to food safety and healthy eating. Let's inherit and innovate the traditional food culture together, and bring more wonderful memories to the taste buds of family and friends!