Is Elephant Garlic the Same as Regular Garlic?

Garlic is a pungent, flavorful ingredient used in cuisines around the world. But if you’ve ever come across elephant garlic at the grocery store or farmer’s market, you may have wondered – is it the same as regular garlic? While they may look similar, there are some key differences between elephant garlic and regular garlic.

What is Elephant Garlic?

Elephant garlic is not actually a type of garlic at all. It’s more closely related to leeks The bulbs are much larger than regular garlic – around 4 times the size! Each bulb also contains around 4 large cloves, unlike regular garlic which can contain 10 or more smaller cloves

While it’s called garlic, the flavor of elephant garlic is milder and more similar to onions. When raw, it has a gentle bite and becomes sweet when cooked. The flavor is not as pungent or spicy as regular garlic.

What is Regular Garlic?

Regular garlic is known scientifically as Allium sativum. It has a strong, pungent flavor that can be overpowering when eaten raw. Regular garlic contains a high concentration of allicin, which gives it its signature heat and bite.

Regular garlic bulbs are much smaller than elephant garlic, containing around 10-20 cloves per bulb. The cloves are also smaller and more pungent than elephant garlic.

Key Differences Between Elephant Garlic and Regular Garlic

While they may look alike, there are some important differences between elephant garlic and regular garlic:

• Flavor – Elephant garlic has a milder, more onion-like flavor compared to the pungent, spicy bite of regular garlic.

• Heat and aroma – Regular garlic has a stronger heat and aroma while elephant garlic is more mellow.

• Size of bulbs and cloves – Elephant garlic bulbs and cloves are much larger than regular garlic.

• Number of cloves per bulb – There are typically only 4 cloves in an elephant garlic bulb compared to 10 or more in regular garlic bulbs.

• Use in cooking – Because of its milder flavor, elephant garlic is better for using raw while regular garlic can be overpowering raw. Regular garlic is better for recipes where a strong garlic flavor is desired.

• Related species – Elephant garlic is more closely related to leeks while regular garlic is its own distinct species.

• Allicin content – Regular garlic has a higher concentration of allicin, which gives it the strong garlic bite. Elephant garlic has less allicin.

• Storage life – Elephant garlic has a shorter shelf life than regular garlic.

Popular Uses for Elephant Garlic

Because of its milder, more onion-like flavor, elephant garlic can be used in ways that regular garlic would be too overpowering:

• Raw in fresh salads, dressings, and dips like guacamole
• Shaved over finished cooked dishes
• Roasted whole for a sweet, softened flavor
• Sauteed or fried as a base flavor for cooking
• Added to soups, stews, and stocks
• Used in combination with regular garlic to balance flavor
• Substituted in any recipe where a mild garlic flavor is desired

Elephant garlic pairs well with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, fresh herbs, vegetables, eggs, chicken, fish, and lean red meats. Roasting brings out its sweetness.

Popular Uses for Regular Garlic

Thanks to its potent punch of flavor, regular garlic is indispensable in many savory dishes:

• Sauteing chopped garlic in oil as an aromatic base for cooking
• Adding minced raw garlic to dressings, marinades, sauces, and condiments
• Rubbing halved raw garlic cloves on meat or seafood before grilling or roasting
• Adding garlic powder or granulated garlic in spice rubs and marinades
• Simmering smashed cloves in soups, stews, and braises
• Toasting chopped garlic in oil before adding tomatoes or vinegar to heighten flavor
• Roasting heads of garlic whole to spread on bread or blend into recipes

Regular garlic pairs well with most meats, vegetables, and savory foods. It’s especially popular in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Latin American cuisines.

Can You Substitute Elephant Garlic for Regular Garlic?

Elephant garlic and regular garlic are not always interchangeable. In recipes where the strong flavor of regular garlic is intended, elephant garlic is not an appropriate substitute. However, in some cases elephant garlic can stand in for regular garlic:

• In raw applications where garlic would be too hot – dressings, dips, etc.

• In quick-cooking stir fries or sautes where the milder flavor works

• In combination with regular garlic to mellow out the overall garlic intensity

• When fresh regular garlic is not available and elephant garlic is on hand

Because the flavor profile and allicin content differs so much between the two, it’s best to use elephant garlic judiciously in place of regular garlic. Start with half the amount of elephant garlic called for in a regular garlic recipe and adjust to taste. Keep in mind the shorter shelf life of elephant garlic as well.

Can You Grow Elephant Garlic?

Home gardeners can have fun growing their own elephant garlic just as you would grow regular garlic. Plant the cloves in the fall 2-3 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in well-draining soil. Elephant garlic needs full sun. After the shoots sprout in spring, fertilize occasionally with a balanced organic fertilizer. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can reduce bulb size.

Harvest elephant garlic when the bottom 2-3 leaves turn brown in mid-summer. Cure bulbs for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry spot before storing in a cool pantry or cellar. Elephant garlic will keep for 2-8 months.

Health Benefits of Garlic

Both regular garlic and elephant garlic offer health benefits, thanks to their active compound allicin. Allicin has demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Garlic may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

However, regular garlic has higher allicin levels than elephant garlic. For maximum health benefits, regular garlic is likely the better choice. But elephant garlic can still boost health, especially when eaten raw.

The Bottom Line

Elephant garlic and regular garlic come from different species and have distinct flavor profiles, ideal culinary uses, and health benefits. While elephant garlic offers milder garlic flavor in some dishes, it is not a direct substitute for regular garlic in all recipes. Knowing when to use each type can help unlock the magic of garlic!