Black garlic capsules are handy supplements that offer many health benefits. From aging control to heart health, their usage is very beneficial. However, making black garlic capsules starts with a selection of fresh garlic. Many don’t know how to choose fresh garlic for black garlic capsules.
Remember, only high-quality fresh garlic can be used to make these capsules. One small mistake can result in a black garlic capsule of very low quality. In this article, we will look at the key parameters you consider when choosing fresh garlic. Moreover, this article will discuss the key benefits of black garlic capsules. So, let’s get started!
What is a Black Garlic Capsule?
Before selecting fresh garlic, let’s have a bird’ s-eye view of the black garlic capsule.
The black garlic capsule is a supplement that offers many health benefits. It is high in antioxidants, which kill free radicals in our bodies. Moreover, these capsules reduce blood pressure and improve cardiac health. They are considered a reliable remedy for lowering blood cholesterol.
This black garlic capsule is made using fresh garlic. The garlic must not have been processed or used and must have all the cloves intact. This garlic undergoes fermentation. As a result, it becomes black garlic, which has a sweet taste and no smell. This black garlic then undergoes a grinding process to make powder. This powder is encapsulated and sold in the market.
How to Choose Fresh Garlic for Black Garlic Capsules?
As I said, fresh garlic is not randomly selected when making black garlic capsules. Instead, there are strict criteria that one has to follow when selecting fresh garlic. Remember, garlic that doesn’t fulfill the requirements won’t give high-quality black garlic capsules. Let’s peak at those factors in the section below:
1- Firm & Tight Bulbs
First, you should consider the condition of the garlic. It should not be half-grown. You can check this by pressing or squeezing the bulb. If you feel softness while pressing, the garlic is immature and unsuitable for black garlic capsules. However, if the bulb is firm and tight, it is ready to make black garlic capsules.
2- Dry & Intact Outer Skin
If the garlic is old, its skin won’t be intact. Instead, you’ll feel its exterior layer very weak and deteriorated. Some garlic also has peeling off or missing skins. You should avoid using such garlic. The garlic with dry and intact skin is best for making black garlic capsules. Remember, storing the garlic in a moist condition is not recommended for making black garlic capsules. Such kinds of garlic have a musty smell; their cloves are also soft and mushy.
3- No Sprouting & Smell
Sprouting indicates a new growth from the seed. If you notice any sprouting on the garlic, it means it is very old. It has passed its prime and is ready to develop new shoots. You should avoid choosing such garlic. Why? Because they don’t offer excellent results during fermentation. Even after fermentation, such old garlic will give a smell and overall quality. Moreover, the garlic should smell sharp and fresh. You should avoid choosing it if it has a musty or sour odor.
4- Dark Spots & Moisture Damage
Some garlic develops mold or dark spots when placed after harvesting. These molds affect their quality and make them unfit for black garlic capsules. Moreover, garlic can also get moist if stored in humid conditions. This is a red flag, especially when making black garlic capsules. The garlic with moisture spots will have uneven color and be off-flavor, and its smell will be more musty.
5- Bulb size & Color
The garlic you choose must be bigger. This is because it will have larger cloves, which will undergo fermentation more evenly. Each clove will become black in 3 to 4 weeks, giving you black garlic. You can grind this black garlic to get the desired black garlic capsule. Moreover, you should ensure the color of the garlic is not yellowish. If the garlic you choose looks yellowish, it means the garlic has aged. You should look for bigger-sized garlic with a white color.
Black Garlic Capsules Benefits
As you know, the appropriate usage of garlic offers many health benefits. However, the fermentation process makes the black garlic capsule even more beneficial. Let’s discuss the key benefits of using these garlic-based capsules:
- Rich in Antioxidants: The black garlic capsules contain antioxidants. These remove the radicals that can eat our body’s cells and cause aging. Moreover, they also improve the overall strength of WBC (White Blood Cells). Remember, strong WBC improves our immune system.
- Odor-Free Alternative: Regular garlic has a very sharp smell that can irritate many people. However, the black garlic capsules smell sweet. They don’t have a bad odor due to the fermentation process. So you can eat them if you have an allergy to the smell of garlic.
- Regulates Blood Sugar: The black garlic capsule contains S-allyl-cysteine (SAC) and polyphenol compounds. They ensure better use of insulin and reduce the chances of blood sugar levels. The consist of use of these capsules can result in fewer sugar spikes that diabetic patients generally face.
- Control Blood Pressure: As I said, the black garlic capsule comes with S-allyl-cysteine. This compound is handy in relaxing the vessels. So, the blood flow in the relaxed vessels becomes smoother and improved. You won’t feel a sudden rise or down of blood pressure that could lead to cardiac issues.
- Reduce Blood Cholesterol: As said earlier, the black garlic capsule has many powerful antioxidants. These oxidants break down the cholesterols and don’t allow them to stick with arteries. Moreover, these capsules also increase HDL cholesterol, which is good for cardiac health.
What are Aged Black Garlic Capsules?
Aged black capsules are not different products. Instead, they are another name for regular black garlic capsules. Why do we call them aged? There is a reason behind it. When making a black garlic capsule, the fresh garlic undergoes aging. It is placed in a high-temperature place with high humidity.
Fresh garlic remains in this condition for 3 to 4 weeks. In this way, fresh garlic undergoes aging, and its color turns black. After that, black garlic is ground to make powder. This powder is encapsulated for sale to customers. As there is a process of aging involved, some people use an aged black garlic capsule name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between fresh garlic and black garlic?
Fresh garlic is white and unprocessed. It has a sharp smell. On the other hand, black garlic is black. It is made when fresh garlic is left at high temperature and humidity for 3 to 4 weeks. Unlike fresh garlic, black garlic has a sweet smell.
Can I make black garlic at home?
Yes, making black garlic is easier; you can do it at home. All you need is fresh garlic. It should then be kept at a higher temperature and humidity for 3 to 4 weeks. The fresh garlic will undergo fermentation, and its color will turn black.
Are black garlic capsules better than raw garlic?
Yes, the black garlic capsules are a better option than raw garlic. They smell sweat, and you can take them without feeling a bad odor. Moreover, these capsules offer many health benefits over raw garlic.
Conclusion
Black garlic capsules are game changers, especially if you consider their health benefits. However, making these capsules requires high-quality fresh garlic. Small mistakes in selecting fresh garlic can result in low-quality capsules.
In this article, I have discussed various factors you should consider while choosing fresh garlic. Considering these factors, you’ll avoid choosing garlic with unfavorable properties. Moreover, this article will provide a definitive guide for learning about black garlic and its capsules.