April, a month known for its refreshing showers and the promise of spring, holds a special place in the hearts of culinary enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike. It’s National Garlic Month, an annual celebration dedicated to the “stinking rose,” a moniker affectionately bestowed upon garlic.
This remarkable ingredient, with its pungent aroma and bold flavor, has been a cornerstone of global cuisines and traditional medicine for centuries. Its versatility in the kitchen and its myriad health benefits make garlic a true culinary treasure.
Garlic’s journey from a wild plant in Central Asia to a kitchen staple around the world is a testament to its adaptability and appeal. Belonging to the lily family, garlic is often classified as a vegetable, though it’s technically an herb. Its cultivation spans various climates and conditions, making it accessible to gardeners and farmers worldwide.
The choice between hardneck and softneck garlic varieties offers a glimpse into the diversity of this plant. Hardneck varieties, known for their robust flavor and the edible scapes they produce, are a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts. Softneck garlic, with its longer shelf life and productivity, is commonly found in grocery stores and is ideal for those looking to store garlic for extended periods.
The process of planting and harvesting garlic is a labor of love that rewards gardeners with a bountiful harvest. Whether planted in the fall or early spring, garlic thrives in fertile, well-drained soil.
The anticipation of the summer harvest is a highlight of the gardening season, with the sight of upright flower stalks on hardneck varieties and the yellowing leaves of softneck garlic signaling that it’s time to unearth these aromatic bulbs.
In celebration of National Garlic Month, Chef George Duran (from Food Network and TLC) shares his Sticky Honey Garlic Ginger Wings recipe, a dish that exemplifies the culinary magic of garlic.
This recipe not only showcases the depth of flavor that garlic adds to dishes but also highlights the convenience of using flash-frozen garlic. Dorot Gardens’ innovative approach to preserving herbs and spices offers home cooks and professional chefs alike the opportunity to incorporate the essence of fresh garlic into their dishes without the hassle of peeling and chopping.
Featured Recipe: Sticky Honey Garlic Ginger Wings from Celebrity Chef George Duran
Ingredients:
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20 chicken wings
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1 tsp. salt
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1/2 tsp. pepper
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1/4 C. flour
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Olive oil spray
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For the honey ginger sauce:
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1/4 C. honey
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2 Tbsp. soy sauce
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1/2 C. water
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2 Dorot Gardens Frozen Ginger Cubes
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4 Dorot Gardens Frozen Garlic Cubes
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1/2 tsp. corn starch
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 F or the air fryer to 400F.
2. Dry wings, season, and coat in flour. Spray with olive oil and cook until golden.
3. Simmer sauce ingredients until thickened.
4. Coat crispy wings in sauce and serve immediately.
The Sticky Honey Garlic Ginger Wings recipe is a testament to the versatility of garlic in cooking. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and the pungent kick of garlic and ginger creates a sauce that is both sweet and savory, perfectly complementing the crispy chicken wings. This dish is a celebration of flavors and a tribute to the enduring appeal of garlic in culinary traditions around the world.
Dorot Gardens’ lineup of crushed garlic, ginger, basil, and more, shows the brand’s commitment to providing fresh, vibrant flavors in a convenient format. The perfectly portioned cubes ensure that every dish is seasoned to perfection, preserving the nutritional benefits and full flavor of fresh herbs. This innovative approach to cooking not only saves time but also elevates the culinary experience, allowing the natural beauty of garlic and other herbs to shine through.
From boosting the immune system to detoxifying the body, garlic is a powerhouse of nutrients and medicinal properties. Its antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities have been revered for centuries, and modern science continues to uncover the myriad ways in which garlic contributes to our well-being.
National Garlic Month is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of this humble ingredient in our lives. Whether it’s through planting and nurturing garlic in our gardens or savoring its bold flavors in our meals, we pay tribute to the stinking rose and its enduring legacy. Let’s embrace the joy of cooking with garlic, exploring new recipes, and sharing the love of this remarkable herb with friends and family. After all, garlic’s ability to bring people together, enhance our health, and elevate our culinary creations is truly something to celebrate.
