What is garlic powder, lehsun ka powder, lahsun ka powder?

Conventionally, garlic powder was prepared by a cumbersome process that involved removing the outer papery skin by hand, separating and peeling the cloves manually, then dehydrating and powdering them before packing. Recently, more efficient processes are being used to commercially produce dehydrated garlic powder, free from husk. In this process, the garlic bulbs are broken, the cloves and papery husks are separated by aspiration, and then the cloves are mechanically pre-conditioned and dried. The dried material is suitably processed to loosen and separate the adhering husk layer, after which the dried material is powdered to obtain the final product.

Garlic powder, which is mainly used as a condiment in food preparations, has a different taste than fresh garlic. If used as a substitute for fresh garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to one clove of garlic. Garlic powder also serves as a carminative and gastric stimulant in many medical preparations.

The manufacture and marketing of garlic powder is a well established industry in the USA and Europe.

How to select garlic powder, lehsun ka powder, lahsun ka powder

• Check the use-by date before buying.

• Inspect the sealing of the package to ensure maximum aroma.

Culinary Uses of garlic powder, lehsun ka powder, lahsun ka powder in Indian Cooking

tandoori masala recipe | homemade tandoori masala | tandoori spice mix

• Thanks to its pungent flavour, garlic powder is widely used around the world as a seasoning or condiment.

• As a condiment, it is used for flavouring mayonnaise and tomato ketchup or sauces, salad dressings, gravies, stews, spaghetti, chutneys, pickles, curried dishes, etc.

• Garlic powder may be applied to breads to create classical favourites such as garlic bread, garlic toast, bruschetta, crostini and canapé.

• Oils are often flavoured with powdered garlic, to be used as a seasoning for vegetables, breads and pasta.

How to store garlic powder, lehsun ka powder, lahsun ka powder

• Garlic powder should be stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place.

Health benefits of garlic powder, lehsun ka powder, lahsun ka powder

Garlic powder is a processed form of whole garlic and thus is low in vitamin C as compared to fresh garlic. This is because of the heat involved in processing which causes loss of vitamin C - a volatile nutrient. Also processing may lead to loss of another key nutrient in garlic which is fibre. However it does not mean that garlic powder is unhealthy. Garlic powder might contain some of its bioactive compounds which help to strengthen heart and maintain blood pressure. But the amount of these bioactive compounds may vary amongst different brands depending on its processing method.