Garlic powder

There are two types of garlic species: Softneck (Allium sativum sativum) and Hardneck (Allium sativum ophioscorodon).[2] Hardneck garlic varieties are believed to have more flavour than Softneck garlics, characterized by a spicy and more complex taste than other garlic strands.[3] While Hardneck Garlics flourish in cold weather, due to their extensive time of vernalization, Softnecks seemingly grow better in warmer climates. Distinguishing between a Hardneck and Softneck garlic is done through the presence of a scape (flower stalk).[4] The garlic species most commonly used to powder is the Softneck variety. Due to their less-complex scent and taste, the Softneck species are more suited as a garnish or spice in dishes and also have a longer storage life than Hardneck varieties.[5]

Garlic cloves thrive when planted in mid-autumn, in a location with plentiful sunlight. In tropical areas, garlic most successfully grows when planted in Autumn, maturing in early summer and is planted in later Autumn in cooler areas, to be harvested in late Summer.[6] The larger bulbs are split and inserted into soil, around 4-6 inches apart, and 3 inches deep, with the pointy end facing upwards. Softneck and Hardneck garlic are planted identically, however, Softneck garlics are more suited to warmer climates.

Garlic must be harvested at a particular time in order to prevent the vegetable from rotting, while also maximising the growth of each bulb within the skin.[4] Green garlic is indicative of harvesting that has taken place before the cloves have ripened, ‘soft’ garlic is the term given to a harvested garlic that is fully developed, while damaged garlic, with a caramelised appearance inside, has been harvested too late and a result of frost.[4] When the leaves turn yellow in colour, harvesting may be initiated.[6]

Women sorting dried garlic pods to be ground into garlic powder

Garlic cloves are peeled and sliced. In most cases, the garlic is then heated to a temperature of between 150° and 160 °C (~300-320 °F). The water is removed to a moisture content of about 6.5%. The dehydrated garlic is then further sliced, chopped, or minced until the powder is reduced to the desired particle size.[7]

Manufacturing garlic powder on a larger scale involves various steps, from extraction of the garlic bulbs to packaging the final powder. After harvesting the raw garlic, bulbs are cleaned under mild pressure to remove skin and separate the cloves.[8] The garlic is then dehydrated using both historical and newly developed methods. While old methods, such as using natural elements of sun and wind to evaporate water from foodstuffs are still utilized in many parts of the world,[9] new technology has enabled for more flexible and economically viable procedures such as vacuum and freeze drying. Once the garlic cloves are dried and dehydrated, they are powdered using large scale machines and powdering units.[10]

Milling machine diagram

Milling is the process of using mechanical action to break down substances through rotary cutting.[11] As powder processing generally includes additives and is done in a bulk scale, the milling process breaks down materials to the required size for suppliers.[12] Milling may require a series of steps, from de-agglomeration to fine grinding. The four components include Delumpers, Conical mills, Hammermills and Fine grinders. The garlic powder industry utilises milling machinery in order to progress with large scale production. The integrated systems of the machine consist of Feeding and metering, Sifting, Conveying and Dust collection.[12] Another major machine used in the process of creating garlic powder is a vacuum dehydrator, which takes all the moisture from the vegetable without spoiling colour, scent and taste.[13] Freeze drying is also used in the garlic industry as an alternative to vacuum dryers.

In India, on a scale of 300 tonnes of garlic powder production per year, the manpower required to operate the machinery and overlook the production units is 12 persons. The estimate for this scale of production is around two skilled workers, two semi skilled workers and eight helpers.[8]

There are approximately 300 types of garlic produced worldwide.[14] Garlic market regions include North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Within China, which produces the largest amounts of garlic, there are five main provinces in which garlic is grown, including Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, Yunnan and Hebei.[15] As soft neck varieties tend to flourish in warmer climates where winters are mild, the Chinese provinces are suitable for harvesting and manufacturing garlic powder.

The market for garlic powder can be split into multiple segments based on source, packaging, end use and distribution channels. The key market players in the Garlic Powder industry are inclusive of some of the world's most renowned manufacturers and suppliers such as McCormick & Company, Garlico, Masterfoods, and Amazon.[16]

China is the largest producer of garlic powder, followed by India, with both countries consuming garlic powder as part of their native cuisines and having hundreds of their own internal suppliers within the countries.

While doubts still remain about garlic's exact origins, it is believed to have originated in Central Asia, South Asia, or southwestern Siberia.[17] Garlic grows wildly in Italy and Southern France, but is predominantly grown in China, which accounts for 20.0 million tonnes of Garlic per year (80% of total production).[18] Garlic has been a substance used for thousands of years and has served many purposes, from medicinal uses to culinary and spiritual practices. The nutritional properties of garlic have created many benefits for human use and offer a wide range of purposes.

The use of garlic as a food has ancient origins in Asia. Garlic has been used for centuries as a wholefood, and as a flavouring agent.[19] Garlic can be manipulated in multiple ways to create bio-products, such as powder, oil and salt, to enhance foods in both nutrients and flavour.

Dependent on the storage conditions, garlic powder generally lasts in good condition up to 4 years. Manufactured garlic powders have a ‘best before’ date printed on them to provide an estimate for how long the powder will be in peak condition for in respect to flavour and texture.[1] Garlic powder must be stored in a cool, dry place, to avoid clumping of the powder. If powder is exposed to moisture or heat, it could cause the product to harden or clump.[20] Fresh garlic remains ripe for up to half a year as a whole bulb, and up to a month if it is an unpeeled clove, while dehydrated garlic can last for years.[9]