Garlic

[maper]

Any ideas on why garlic doesn't digest well? Any ways to prepare this wonderful ingredient to make it more digestible?

[Ohioan]

Gee, that's odd ... the word in my family was always that garlic was an aid to digestion. Have you had trouble with any particular type of garlic or dishes made with garlic?

Sometimes garlic can be old and bitter. If there's a green "core" in the garlic, pry it out and discard it before using the garlic. And if the cloves are brownish or shriveled, they're probably too old to use.

I'm sorry if this hasn't been much help. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif Maybe my family was just garlic-addicted!

Phoebe (aka Ohioan)

[mikecox]

Originally posted by maper:
why garlic doesn't digest well? I think Ohioan's right. I've not heard that either.

[KateH]

Raw garlic or cooked garlic?

I have a friend who can eat the hottest of the hot peppers with no problem to his digestion, but when it comes to raw garlic he's burping and having reflux for about 24 hours.

When he makes salsa or anything that might call for raw garlic, he lightly sautes it in a little oil for about a minute.

I hope this helps! Wouldn't want anyone doing without garlic!

[This message has been edited by KateH (edited 08-01-2000).]

[MrsReber]

I agree with Ohioan, too. The only time I have ever had problems with garlic is when it's too old (although that doesn't happen too much at my house!). I guess raw garlic is another consideration. It tends to have a stronger taste. I hope these hints posted here help you out some. The health benefits of garlic are awesome.

I believe there are also different types of garlic, too. The elephant garlic, I believe, has a milder or sweeter taste to it? I can't remember which. The garlic I have at home right now has a bit of a purple color to the peel. Does anyone else know about the different types?

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 08-01-2000).]

[maper]

Thank you all for comments re garlic. Any garlic seems to cause me a reflux problem including or especially at restaurants--elegant or fast food. I do usually saute it when used at home. (I am on med for reflux med. but the garlic jumps that barrier. I love the flavor but I guess I'll avoid it. Thanks anyway. Maper

[RunnerKim]

You might try making recipes that call for both garlic and fresh ginger as ginger is a digestion aid. I've known some people who will suck on ginger root when they have an upset stomach.

Kim

[cookgirl]

Originally posted by maper:
Thank you all for comments re garlic. Any garlic seems to cause me a reflux problem including or especially at restaurants--elegant or fast food. I do usually saute it when used at home. (I am on med for reflux med. but the garlic jumps that barrier. I love the flavor but I guess I'll avoid it. Thanks anyway. Maper
Wait Maper! Don't rule garlic out.

Garlic doesn't cause digestive problems to my knowledge, but you're right, it can cause problems for those who already have digestive problems. Any gastritis, ulcers (mostly upper GI), helicobacter pylori,etc..can all refuse the garlic as acidy or gas producing (Sorry if this is too technical). But there are ways around it.

Garlic is most potent in the raw stage. And the smaller you chop it, the more potent it gets. When you saute garlic, try to slice it. Afterward, when you bite it, you'll find it's less potent than minced garlic. You'll can also boil garlic (e.g. with potatoes) and mash it to keep the flavor without the sting (You can also do this for spreads, like on garlic bread). And the best: Roast it!!!
Other tips: Buy the large elephant garlic. It is less potent than regular garlic cloves.

These are ways to keep the aroma and taste of garlic, without having to battle horrible reflex!

-cookgirl-
P.S. Yes..I am a bonifide garlic ADDICT (but I've also had H-pylori and horrible acid reflux, and I know what you mean! What medication are you on?)



[This message has been edited by cookgirl (edited 08-02-2000).]

[cookgirl]

Originally posted by cookgirl:
Originally posted by maper:
Thank you all for comments re garlic. Any garlic seems to cause me a reflux problem including or especially at restaurants--elegant or fast food. I do usually saute it when used at home. (I am on med for reflux med. but the garlic jumps that barrier. I love the flavor but I guess I'll avoid it. Thanks anyway. Maper
Wait Maper! Don't rule garlic out.

Garlic doesn't cause digestive problems to my knowledge, but you're right, it can cause problems for those who already have digestive problems. Any gastritis, ulcers (mostly upper GI), helicobacter pylori,etc..can all refuse the garlic as acidy or gas producing (Sorry if this is too technical). But there are ways around it.

Garlic is most potent in the raw stage. And the smaller you chop it, the more potent it gets. When you saute garlic, try to slice it. Afterward, when you bite it, you'll find it's less potent than minced garlic. You'll can also boil garlic (e.g. with potatoes) and mash it to keep the flavor without the sting (You can also do this for spreads, like on garlic bread). And the best: Roast it!!!
Other tips: Buy the large elephant garlic. It is less potent than regular garlic cloves.

These are ways to keep the aroma and taste of garlic, without having to battle horrible reflux!

-cookgirl-
P.S. Yes..I am a bonifide garlic ADDICT (but I've also had H-pylori and horrible acid reflux, and I know what you mean! What medication are you on?)

[This message has been edited by cookgirl (edited 08-02-2000).]