How do you make your own black garlic?

Making your own black garlic is a simple but time-consuming process. Follow these steps to make your own black garlic at home:

1. Gather Your Supplies

You will need:

- Whole garlic bulbs (make sure they're firm and without any sprouts or damage)

- A slow cooker or rice cooker

- Heavy-duty aluminum foil

- A baking sheet

- A thermometer

2. Prepare the Garlic Bulbs

- Gently separate the garlic bulbs into individual cloves, leaving the skins intact.

- Discard any broken or damaged cloves.

3. Wrap the Garlic

- Cut large pieces of aluminum foil that can completely wrap individual garlic cloves.

- Place each garlic clove in the center of a foil square and wrap it tightly, ensuring the clove is completely covered and sealed within the foil.

4. Place in Slow Cooker or Rice Cooker

- Arrange the wrapped garlic cloves on the bottom of a slow cooker or rice cooker, making sure they're not touching each other.

- Set the slow cooker or rice cooker to the "keep warm" setting (usually around 140 to 150°F or 60 to 65°C).

5. Monitor the Temperature

- Periodically check the temperature inside the slow cooker or rice cooker to make sure it stays between 140 and 150°F (60 and 65°C).

6. Be Patient

- Black garlic takes time to develop its color, flavor, and texture. The process typically takes 3 to 4 weeks.

7. Check the Progress

- After 2 weeks, unwrap one of the garlic cloves to check its progress. The clove should have turned brownish-black and feel soft and slightly sticky.

8. Continue the Process

- If the garlic clove is not ready, rewrap it and continue the process. Check on the progress every few days.

9. Store Your Black Garlic

- Once the black garlic is ready, remove it from the foil and let it cool completely.

- Store the black garlic in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

10. Enjoy!

- Use your homemade black garlic in various dishes to add a complex, slightly sweet, and savory flavor.