Black Garlic Oil

Yum! Let's dive into the delicious world of black garlic oil!

What is black garlic oil?

Black garlic oil, also known as "black garlic infused oil" or "fermented garlic oil," is a popular condiment commonly found in many restaurants in the USA, especially in Asian-inspired and modern cuisine. It's made by infusing high-quality oil (usually neutral-tasting oils like canola or grapeseed) with fermented black garlic.

What is black garlic?

Black garlic is a type of fermented garlic that has been aged for several weeks or months, which turns its cloves dark brown or black. This process breaks down the allicin, a compound responsible for garlic's pungency, making it sweeter, deeper, and more complex in flavor. Black garlic has a molasses-like consistency and a rich, savory, slightly sweet flavor.

How is black garlic oil made?

To create black garlic oil, chefs or manufacturers typically follow these steps:

1. Fermenting garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are fermented in a controlled environment (temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels) for several weeks or months to develop the black garlic.

2. Blending with oil: The fermented black garlic is then blended with a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, to create the final product.

3. Aging and straining: The mixture is left to age for a few days to allow the flavors to meld together. The solids are then strained from the oil, resulting in a smooth, dark brown liquid with an intense garlic flavor.

What does black garlic oil taste like?

Imagine a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile with notes of caramel, molasses, and a deep, mellow garlic taste. The flavor is complex and umami, adding depth to various dishes.

How to use black garlic oil

Black garlic oil is an incredibly versatile condiment, and its uses are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Where to find black garlic oil

You can find black garlic oil in many restaurants, especially those serving Asian-inspired or modern cuisine. If you're looking to try it at home, you can:

Now that you've learned about this flavorful condiment, go ahead and give it a try!