Introduction
Garlic is a staple in kitchens. The bulbs, cloves, farming, quality, and varieties are under the farmers’ radar and need quick attendance.
Among many varieties of garlic, we have two most famous ones— Chinese garlic and Indian Garlic.
Both may be cut from the same cloth but differ in features and quality. Do you want to know all the differences in farming, covering sizes, and flavors? We will shed light on both types and discuss which is fire and which is ice.
What is Chinese garlic?
Chinese garlic is a buzzword commonly used for all the varieties of garlic produced in China. It is leading the charts because of large-sized garlic with large-scale production facilities.
Longer shelf life and competitive prices of Chinese garlic make it the best option for consumers with a tight budget and who want to escape the boreholes into their pockets.
Features include:
- Size: Larger bulbs, often more uniform in appearance.
- Flavor: Milder and less pungent than Indian garlic.
- Color: Bright white or slightly purplish skin (depending on variety).
- Cloves: Fewer but larger cloves per bulb.
What is an Indian Garlic?
India is a competitor of China as one of the largest garlic producers. All the varieties of garlic grown in India come under the word of Indian garlic.
The bold taste, smaller bulb sizes, and medicinal values of Indian garlic make their way to the top.
Features include:
- Size: Smaller bulbs with tightly packed cloves.
- Flavor: Stronger, more pungent taste and aroma.
- Color: Off-white to pale brownish skin.
- Cloves: Numerous small-sized cloves per bulb.
China Garlic vs Indian Garlic: Differences to Know
Chinese garlic differs from Indian Garlic in taste, look, and farming. Let’s see who wins the game.
| Feature | China Garlic | Indian Garlic |
| Size | Large, uniform bulbs | Small, tightly packed bulbs |
| Appearance | Bright white, rootless | Brown/purple skin, natural look |
| Taste | Mild and subtle | Strong and pungent |
| Shelf Life | Longer (due to preservatives) | Shorter (organic and untreated) |
| Farming | Mechanized, chemical-based | Traditional, often organic |
| Price | Cheaper, mass-produced | Pricier, premium quality |
| Availability | Global, highly exported | Mainly domestic with some export |
| Health Benefits | Moderate due to processing | Higher, used in traditional medicine |
| Best For | Subtle dishes | Bold, spicy recipes |
Size and appearance
Size is one of the most prominent aspects of garlic varieties. There is a lot of garlic that contains large-sized bulbs and cloves.
China garlic takes the cake for its large size and better quality. Even the appearance is appealing to international consumers. The white color appearance of Chinese garlic makes it an excellent choice.
Indian garlic is often small in size and more rustic in appearance. Cloves are tightly packed, while the outer surface has a brown hue. Due to its beautiful appearance, it can win any contest.
Taste and Aroma
If you use garlic to season the food, its taste and aroma steal the show. So, consider it worth its weight in gold.
China garlic has a milder taste and can blend in almost every food while giving a slight taste and excellent aroma.
If you want a bold aroma and taste, Indian garlic packs a punch. China garlic is used in strong, spicy dishes like curries, chutneys, and pickles.
Shelf life and processing
Many restaurants and cuisines order fresh garlic but have storage houses for it. That is when the shelf life of garlic matters a lot.
China garlic is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has a longer shelf life. On the other hand, it is often bleached and contains chemicals that extend the garlic’s life.
Since Indian garlic is a more eco-friendly option, it decays earlier than Chinese garlic. Therefore, Indian garlic provides less shelf life.
Farming practices
Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are everyone’s choice. Let’s see who does better at it.
China garlic is often farmed on a large scale. It involves mechanized methods and synthetic fertilizers. Therefore, it is a less eco-friendly practice.
Indian garlic is in the hands of small to large-scale farmers. They use traditional and more sustainable practices to grow the garlic. Therefore, Indian garlic is more sustainable.
Cost and Global Availability
When you look for the garlic, you also wonder about the prices. They must fall within your budget.
Chinese garlic is already cheaper. Why? Because of large-scale production, cheaper farming, and reduced taxes from the Government on the export. The quality of Chinese garlic is quite exceptional.
Indian garlic holds the quality, but at what cost? It has higher prices! Premium varieties like Himalayan or Ooty garlic are even more expensive.
Culinary Use
Garlic is used in every kitchen to season cooked food. However, Chinese garlic can be used differently than Indian garlic. Let’s see.
The mild aroma and flavor of Chinese garlic suit best for stir-fries, soups, and Western dishes.
On the other hand, Indian garlic gives a stronger aroma and taste. It is the best bet in South Asian cuisines.
Health Benefits
Don’t disown the garlic from its medicinal benefits. In addition to culinary uses, it is a contestant for the medical benefits. But we should see whether Indian Garlic stands first or Chinese.
Chinese garlic has won many awards as a pure substance in medicine. It holds powerful antibacterial properties. However, aggressive processing can lose essential health benefits.
Indian garlic is already the talk of the Ayurvedic uses. It delivers antioxidant and antibacterial properties. However, it contributes more to health.
Conclusion
Whether you are choosing Indian Garlic or Chinese Garlic, the ultimate goal is to hunt down the quality alternative. China garlic is ideal for consumers looking for affordability while chasing quality. If you want a bold taste, Indian garlic takes the crown.
Do you want to purchase fresh and quality garlic?
Look no further, as FENDUNI garlic supplier is here. Being a legendary supplier, we have the next-level quality and affordability of garlic supplies. Moreover, our logistical services offer garlic solutions at your doorstep. Grab the quality garlic now!