Garlic is one of those ingredients that is never lacking in the food industry. Its versatility and unmistakable flavor make it a staple in many kitchens and production processes. But, beyond the classic image of a head of garlic in the market, its marketing has evolved enormously to adapt to different uses and needs.
Nowadays, garlic is sold in a wide variety of formats that facilitate their use and conservation. From fresh garlic in heads or loose cloves to more practical options such as garlic powder, paste or dice, each presentation has its reason for being and its specific application in the industry. Additionally, to ensure availability and durability, there are long-term storage alternatives, such as frozen or brined garlic, ideal for companies that require a stable supply without compromising quality.
In this article, we analyze the main ways in which garlic reaches the market and how each of them responds to the needs of different sectors within the food industry.
Fresh garlic: loose heads and cloves
Garlic in its most natural form remains one of the most demanded options on the market. Whole heads and loose cloves are the starting point for multiple applications, from domestic use to the food industry, where they are processed to produce other formats.
This type of garlic is marketed in different calibers and varieties, depending on factors such as the growing region, the time of year and market preferences. The main world producers, such as Spain, China and Argentina, supply both wholesale distributors and companies that require fresh garlic for transformation into processed products.
Key factors in the marketing of fresh garlic
- Fresh garlic is subject to market fluctuations depending on the harvest, global supply and demand in sectors such as the restaurant industry and the sauces and condiments industry.
- To avoid premature sprouting and weight loss, it is essential to store it in dry, well-ventilated spaces, with controlled temperature and humidity.
- Although it is still the most traditional option, more and more companies are looking for more practical formats, such as peeled or processed garlic, to optimize production times and costs.
Garlic in heads and loose cloves continues to play a key role in the supply chain, especially in markets that value the raw material in its most natural state and seek flexibility in its use.
Processed garlic: solutions for the food industry
Processed garlic has gained ground in the food industry thanks to its convenience, ease of use, and longer shelf life compared to fresh garlic. Its availability in different formats allows manufacturers of sauces, ready meals, meat products and condiments to integrate it into their production processes efficiently.
Below, we analyze some of the most used options in the industry and their main applications.
Sliced garlic
Laminated garlic is a versatile option that is obtained by cutting garlic cloves into thin slices and subjecting them to a dehydration process. This format is widely used in:
- Snack and appetizer industry, where it is incorporated into chips and nut mixes to provide a crunchy and aromatic touch.
- Manufacture of sauces and condiments, allowing efficient use in mixtures of spices and dressings.
- Supermarkets and spice stores, as many consumers choose it as an alternative to fresh garlic.
Garlic powder and granules
Garlic powder and granulated garlic are ideal options for industrial production, as they ensure uniform flavor distribution in foods. Although both come from the same dehydration and grinding process, their main difference is the texture:
- garlic powder: With a fine and homogeneous texture, it is perfect for sauces, broths, marinades and spice mixtures. It dissolves easily in liquids and provides an intense flavor without affecting the texture of the products.
- granulated garlic: With a thicker texture, it is ideal for meat products, sausages, bakery and batters, where the garlic is intended to be perceptible in every bite.
Both formats offer a profitable and efficient alternative for the industry, reducing storage costs and optimizing preparation times.
Garlic paste
Garlic paste has become one of the most practical solutions for the food industry and the HORECA channel. This format allows immediate use without the need for peeling nor crushed, which represents a great advantage in terms of operational efficiency:
- Saving time and operating costs, eliminating manual processing of garlic.
- Precise dosage, guaranteeing a homogeneous flavor in all preparations.
- Longer useful life, as it is packaged in optimal conditions for conservation.
It is used in the manufacture of sauces, marinades for meat and fish, prepared dishes and cooking bases in restaurants and production plants.
Garlic diced
Diced garlic or minced garlic is a perfect solution for those looking for speed without losing the texture and aroma of fresh garlic. It is sold in refrigerated, frozen or oil formats, depending on the buyer’s needs.
Applications of diced garlic:
- Prepared dishes and sauces industry, where it is directly integrated into production without the need for additional handling.
- Supermarkets and retail, as a convenient option for consumers looking for practicality in the kitchen.
- Hospitality and catering, allowing quick preparation in restaurants and catering without compromising the quality of the final product.
Garlic formats for long-term storage
For many companies in the food industry, having a stable supply of garlic without worrying about its spoilage is a priority. Long-term storage formats allow the flavor and properties of garlic to be maintained without compromising its quality, facilitating its use in different industrial applications.
Frozen garlic
Frozen garlic is an efficient solution to preserve its freshness and properties without the need for additives. It is processed and frozen quickly to avoid loss of flavor and nutrients, ensuring a high-quality product ready for industrial use.
- Long shelf life: It can be stored for months without altering its flavor or texture.
- Constant availability: Guarantee a stable supply without depending on the seasonality of fresh garlic.
- Versatility: Available in different formats such as whole cloves, chopped, paste or puree, adapting to various production needs.
- This type of garlic is ideal for the manufacture of sauces, prepared dishes, frozen products and applications where garlic with a texture and aroma similar to fresh garlic is required.
Garlic extract
Garlic extract is a concentrated format that maximizes the flavor and properties of garlic. It is obtained from a maceration process in water, oil or alcohol, extracting its essential compounds for greater aromatic power.
Benefits of garlic extract in the food industry
- High concentration of flavor: Allows you to reduce the amount of garlic used in production without losing intensity.
- Simple application: It is easily integrated into sauces, marinades, sausages and preserves without the need to grind or rehydrate.
- Better conservation: Its liquid or paste format facilitates its storage and dosing in industrial environments.
This format is widely used in the meat industry, in the production of sauces and condiments, as well as in ready-to-eat products.
Garlic in brine
Brining garlic is a traditional preservation method that keeps garlic cloves in a solution of water and salt, preventing the proliferation of microorganisms and prolonging their shelf life without the need for immediate refrigeration.
- Conservation without artificial additives: The brine acts as a natural preservative, keeping the garlic in perfect condition for months.
- Ready to use: It is sold already peeled, which speeds up its incorporation into any production process.
- Uses in industry: Widely used in pickles, preserves, prepared dishes, sauces and marinades, as it preserves the characteristic aroma and flavor of garlic.
Where to buy garlic in different wholesale formats
For the food industry, having a reliable supplier of garlic in different formats is key to guarantee quality and continuity in production.
If you are looking for a trusted supplier, The Garlic Factory stands out as one of the main garlic distributors in Europe, with an offer that ranges from fresh and peeled garlic to processed formats such as paste, powder, granulated or frozen garlic. Its commitment to quality and stability in supply makes it a strategic option for companies in the food sector.