Garlic is an essential ingredient in the food industry, used in a wide variety of products ranging from sausages to sauces and ready meals. However, when deciding what type of garlic to use in production, a key question arises: is it better to opt for fresh or dried garlic? Each shape has unique characteristics that can influence the quality of the final product, production cost and logistics.
In this blog, as wholesale garlic suppliers, we explain in detail the differences between fresh garlic and dried garlic, highlighting their benefits, applications, and considerations for the food industry. If you are an entrepreneur in this sector and are looking to maximize the efficiency and quality of your products, we will help you make an informed decision about which is the best option for your needs.
Characteristics of fresh garlic in the food industry
Fresh garlic is known for its powerful flavor and its ability to improve the organoleptic profile of many food products. Its use in the food industry is common in applications where a more intense and natural flavor experience is sought. Below, we explore the main characteristics of fresh garlic and their impact on food production.
Flavor and freshness profile
Fresh garlic stands out for its strong and spicy flavor profile, which is activated when garlic is crushed or cut, releasing allicin, a key compound in the aroma and flavor of garlic. This makes it an ideal choice for products where garlic is a prominent ingredient, such as in artisanal sausages, fresh sauces and prepared dishes that require an authentic and pronounced flavor.
Most common applications of fresh garlic in processed products
In the food industry, fresh garlic is used in products that seek to maintain an identity of freshness. Some of the most common uses include:
- Fresh sausages: Its strong flavor makes it ideal for products such as chorizo, sausages and other artisanal sausages.
- Prepared dishes and sauces: Fresh garlic is essential in recipes that stand out for their freshness, such as pesto-type sauces, aioli, and fresh dressings.
- Marinated and pickled: Used in marinade mixes, fresh garlic infuses deep flavors into meats and vegetables.
Benefits and limitations of fresh garlic in the supply chain
While fresh garlic offers superior flavor, it also presents certain logistical challenges in the supply chain:
- Limited lifespan: Fresh garlic has a shorter shelf life, requiring careful storage under controlled temperature and humidity conditions to prevent spoilage.
- Management and preparation: For use in industrial production, fresh garlic must be peeled and processed, which increases costs and preparation time.
- Fragility in distribution: Transporting fresh garlic can be more delicate due to its susceptibility to germination or decay if not handled correctly.
Despite these limitations, fresh garlic remains the preferred option in many product lines that prioritize a more natural and authentic flavor, making it an excellent choice for those looking to differentiate their products in the market with a superior freshness experience.
Characteristics of dried garlic in the food industry
Dried garlic is a popular choice in the food industry due to its durability, versatility, and ease of storage. By going through a dehydration process, garlic retains much of its properties while becoming more practical for use in large-scale production. Here we explore the main characteristics of dried garlic and how it can benefit entrepreneurs in the food industry.
Types of dried garlic: Powder, granules, flakes
Dried garlic is available in various presentations, each adapted to different production needs:
- garlic powder: It is ideal for applications where uniform flavor distribution is needed, such as in seasonings and spice blends.
- granulated garlic: Offers a coarser texture than powder and is used in products that require a stronger flavor impact, but without the visible presence of large chunks.
- Garlic flakes: This format is used in food products where a more pronounced texture is desired, such as industrial sauces or bakery products.
Advantages of dried garlic in terms of storage and durability
Dried garlic is distinguished by its long shelf life and ease of storage. Unlike fresh garlic, dried garlic does not need refrigeration and can keep for months or even years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. This makes it a highly efficient option for the food industry:
- Long lifespan: Its durability reduces the risk of losses due to deterioration, facilitating long-term production and inventory planning.
- Ease of handling: Being dehydrated, dried garlic is lighter and more compact, making it easier to transport and store in large quantities.
- Cost control: Thanks to its stability, dried garlic helps companies control costs, reducing the frequency of replacements and product waste.
Uses of dried garlic in long-life and frozen products
Dried garlic is especially useful in products that require a long shelf life or that are intended for industrial freezing processes:
- Soups, stews and frozen dishes: Its use in frozen and canned products ensures that the flavor is maintained without losing its intensity during storage.
- Spices and industrial mixes: Powdered and granulated garlic is a key ingredient in the production of dry marinades and industrial seasonings.
- Industrial bakery: Flake and granulated garlic can be incorporated in the production of breads, crackers and other bakery products that require a touch of garlic without altering the final texture.
Dried garlic is the preferred solution for companies that need an ingredient that maintains its flavor for long periods of time and under diverse conditions, making it an indispensable ally in large-scale production.
Nutritional and flavor comparison: Fresh Garlic vs. Dried Garlic
Fresh garlic and dried garlic offer different nutritional and flavor profiles, influencing their choice depending on the type of food product and industry needs. Below, we look at the key differences in terms of nutrients and flavor between fresh garlic and dried garlic.
Differences in the content of allicin and other bioactive compounds
Allicin is the most prominent compound in garlic, responsible for many of its health benefits. This compound is activated when garlic is cut or crushed, especially in fresh garlic. However, the dehydration process affects the amount of allicin in dried garlic:
- fresh garlic: It has a higher allicin content, making it an excellent choice when looking for the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of garlic in fresh or processed products that highlight garlic as a main ingredient.
- dried garlic: Although it loses some allicin during the dehydration process, it still retains beneficial compounds, such as sulfates and vitamins, that contribute to its antioxidant properties. Although in smaller quantities, it is still useful in applications that do not require the intense freshness of garlic.
Impact on flavor and texture profile
Fresh garlic
It offers a stronger, spicy and more pronounced flavor, ideal for products where garlic is sought to be highlighted, such as fresh sausages, sauces, marinades and marinades. In addition, it provides a juicier texture that can be an added value in prepared dishes or ready-to-eat products.
Dried garlic
It has a smoother and more concentrated flavor. When dehydrated, its texture is lighter and crunchier in the flakes, or completely pulverized in the case of garlic powder. This makes it an excellent choice for products where a hint of garlic is desired without altering the texture, such as dried spices, breads, soups, powdered sauces, or shelf-stable products.
Logistics and storage considerations
One of the most important factors when choosing between fresh garlic and dried garlic in the food industry is logistics and storage conditions. Both types of garlic have different storage, transportation and handling requirements, which can directly affect costs and operational efficiency. Here we present the main logistical and storage considerations for each type of garlic.
Storage Requirements for Fresh Garlic
To maintain its freshness and avoid spoilage, it is essential to follow the following guidelines:
- Controlled temperature: Fresh garlic should be stored in cool places, preferably between 0 °C y 4 °C. Higher temperatures can accelerate germination and spoilage of garlic.
- Proper humidity: It is essential to avoid exposure to excessive humidity, as it can lead to the appearance of mold and decay of the bulb. Therefore, it is best to store fresh garlic in well-ventilated places.
- Limited lifespan: The shelf life of fresh garlic is considerably shorter than that of dried garlic, which implies that its handling must be prompt to avoid losses. It usually lasts between two and four months, depending on storage conditions.
Due to these limitations, fresh garlic can increase storage costs and require faster and more careful logistical handling to avoid waste and ensure it reaches the end consumer in the best condition.
Long-term storage of dried garlic
Dried garlic, on the other hand, is a much more stable and easy-to-store option, making it the preferred choice for long-lasting products and industrial processes that require long-term planning:
- Does not require refrigeration: Unlike fresh garlic, dried garlic can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. This facilitates handling and reduces storage costs, since it is not necessary to invest in refrigeration systems.
- Long lifespan: Dried garlic can last 12 to 24 months, depending on storage conditions, making it ideal for businesses that need long-term inventory stability.
- Ease of logistics: When dehydrated, dried garlic is lighter and takes up less space than fresh garlic, which optimizes transportation costs and facilitates storage in large volumes. This is particularly beneficial in the food industry where space and weight control is key to logistics efficiency.
Which one to choose according to your product?
The choice between fresh garlic and dried garlic depends largely on the type of food product you make, as well as the specific flavor, texture, shelf life, and logistics needs of your operation. We offer you a guide to help you make the right decision depending on the type of product you offer in the food industry.
When to opt for fresh garlic
- Gourmet and high-end products: If your product targets the gourmet market, where freshness and authenticity are valued, fresh garlic provides a more complex and intense flavor profile, which can make a difference in consumer perception.
- Fresh sausages: Products such as chorizos, sausages and other fresh sausages benefit from the aromatic power and flavor provided by fresh garlic.
- Sauces and dressings: In fresh sauces such as aioli, pesto, or dressings, where garlic is a prominent ingredient, its freshness is essential to maintain the traditional and authentic flavor.
- Prepared dishes: Ready-to-eat dishes, such as stews or marinades that are sold fresh, benefit from fresh garlic for its ability to naturally enhance flavor.
Benefits of choosing dried garlic in long-lasting products
Frozen or long-life products: If you produce frozen, canned or dehydrated foods, dried garlic is ideal because it maintains a good level of flavor and quality over time without the logistical challenges of fresh garlic.
- Spice and seasoning mixes: In creating seasonings or spice blends, dried garlic (powdered or granulated) provides an ideal way to incorporate flavor without additional preparation.
- Large scale industrial dishes: For food products that require mass production, such as soups, stews, sauce powders or bakery products, dried garlic is more efficient, as its use does not require peeling or additional processing, saving production time and costs.
- Supply chain and logistics: If your business relies on an extensive supply chain or requires long-term storage, dried garlic minimizes the risk of waste and makes it easier to plan inventory without worrying about product shelf life.
Both fresh garlic and dried garlic have advantages that can be adapted to different needs within the food industry. In The Garlic Factory, we have a wide variety of garlic formats to help you select the best option for your preparations. If you want more information or advice on what type of garlic is most suitable for your company, contact us today and discover how we can help you optimize your production with our high quality products.