Garlic is a popular ingredient used in many savory dishes. Its pungent, aromatic flavor adds depth and complexity to soups, sauces, meat dishes, and more. When a recipe calls for garlic, it is typically measured in cloves. But what if you need to substitute garlic powder or granulated garlic instead? Knowing how many teaspoons are in several garlic cloves allows you to easily make the conversion.
What is a Garlic Clove?
The garlic bulb contains multiple cloves, each covered with a papery skin. An average head of garlic contains around 10-15 cloves. Garlic cloves vary in size depending on the variety and size of the bulb. In general, one medium clove of garlic weighs approximately 3 grams and yields around 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How Many Teaspoons in 8 Garlic Cloves?
Most recipes specify the number of garlic cloves required rather than giving a teaspoon measurement. But when substituting granulated or powdered garlic, you’ll need to know the equivalent teaspoon amount.
On average, 8 medium-sized garlic cloves weigh about 24 grams total and yield around 2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons of minced garlic. However, clove size can vary quite a bit which will change the exact yield. Smaller cloves may yield around 2 teaspoons while larger ones up to 4 teaspoons.
As a general guideline:
- 8 small garlic cloves = 2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons minced
- 8 medium garlic cloves = 2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons minced
- 8 large garlic cloves = 3 to 4 teaspoons minced
Garlic Equivalents
When shopping for garlic powder or granulated/minced garlic, you’ll find the containers labeled with approximated equivalents to help guide your quantity conversions. Here are some common equivalents:
| Fresh Garlic | Garlic Powder | Granulated/Minced Garlic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 clove | 1/8 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| 8 cloves | 1 teaspoon | 4 teaspoons |
However, these equivalents are approximations and can vary between brands. For the most accuracy, you’ll want to mince the fresh garlic cloves and measure the yield in teaspoons. Then use that conversion for substituting in powdered or granulated garlic.
Tips for Converting Garlic
Here are some tips to keep in mind when converting fresh garlic cloves to teaspoons of minced garlic:
- Medium garlic cloves (2-3g each) are generally the best for conversions.
- Weigh the garlic cloves first for the most accurate yield.
- Mince the cloves finely before measuring.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic equals about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- For every 1 teaspoon minced garlic, use about 2 teaspoons granulated garlic.
- Adjust quantities as needed based on the intensity of flavor you want.
How to Substitute Garlic
When you need to substitute granulated, powdered, or other forms of garlic for fresh, keep these tips in mind:
- Reduce the amount used – garlic powder and granulated versions have more concentrated flavor.
- Add the powdered garlic early so the flavor can bloom.
- Use garlic salt instead of plain salt to add back the salty punch of fresh garlic.
- Supplement with extra onion, herbs, or spices for flavor.
- If a recipe calls for roasted garlic, substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic.
- For garlic cloves cooked in oil, sauté the powdered garlic first to mellow the flavor.
Substitution Ratio Examples
Here are some examples of substituting powdered and granulated garlic for fresh cloves:
- Marinara Sauce – If a recipe calls for 5 cloves, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 1/2 teaspoons granulated.
- Meatballs – For 12 cloves, use 2 teaspoons garlic powder or 5 teaspoons granulated.
- Salad Dressing – For 3 cloves, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated.
- Soup – If a recipe calls for 4 cloves, use 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 teaspoons granulated.
Storing Garlic
Proper storage is important for getting the most out of your garlic and preventing spoilage. Here are some tips:
- Store unpeeled garlic in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Refrigerate peeled cloves in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze minced garlic in oil or water for several months.
- Use dried or dehydrated garlic within 1 year for optimal flavor.
- Watch for sprouting, shriveling, or mold as signs garlic has spoiled.
Using Fresh vs. Jarred, Frozen, or Powdered
While fresh garlic has the best flavor, jarred, frozen, and powdered products can be handy substitutions. Here’s how they compare:
- Fresh garlic has a robust, pungent flavor when raw. It mellows and sweetens when cooked.
- Refrigerated jarred minced garlic lacks freshness and aroma.
- Frozen minced garlic has a fresher flavor than jarred varieties.
- Garlic powder has an intense concentrated flavor best used in small amounts.
- Granulated garlic is less strong than garlic powder with a flaked texture.
In general, fresh garlic gives the best result, but frozen, jarred, and powdered can work well too. Just adjust amounts and cook times as needed.
Popular Garlic Varieties
There are over 120 varieties of garlic grown worldwide. Popular types include:
- Softneck – Best for braiding with more delicate flavor. Types include Artichoke, Silverskin.
- Hardneck – Easier to peel, more pungent flavor. Types include Porcelain, Purple Stripe.
- Elephant Garlic – Very large cloves, milder taste.
Hardneck garlic usually has larger, more pungent cloves while softneck cloves are smaller with more subtle flavor.
Uses for Garlic
Garlic is highly versatile and can be used in sweet or savory preparations. Here are some popular uses:
- Sautéed in oil or butter to create aromatic bases for dishes.
- Rubbed on meats, fish, and vegetables before roasting or grilling.
- Simmered in soups, stews, sauces, and broths.
- Used raw in dressings, marinades, salsa, bruschetta.
- Pickled, roasted, or blackened to mellow its bite.
- Infused in oils and vinegars.
Garlic pairs particularly well with tomato, mushrooms, greens, chicken, beef, and seafood.
Garlic Fun Facts
Here are some interesting facts about garlic:
- Garlic belongs to the same family as onions, leeks, chives, and shallots.
- China is the largest producer of garlic, providing around 80% of the world’s supply.
- Garlic contains antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial compounds such as allicin.
- Black garlic is aged at high heat and humidity turning cloves dark and giving a sweet, molasses-like flavor.
- Elephant garlic is actually more closely related to leeks than true garlic.
- Garlic scapes are the curling flower stalks removed to allow bulbs to grow larger.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic provides many potential health benefits. It may:
- Boost immune function
- Support cardiovascular health
- Have antimicrobial effects
- Act as an antioxidant
- Promote detoxification
- Improve cholesterol levels
Compounds like allicin, ajoene, and allyl sulfides are thought to be responsible for many of garlic’s health promoting properties. More research is still needed to fully understand garlic’s effects.
Risks of Garlic
Garlic is likely safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts. However, there are some risks and interactions to be aware of:
- Increases risk of bleeding especially when taken in supplement form.
- Can interact with some medications including blood thinners and HIV drugs.
- May irritate the digestive tract in some individuals.
- Topical garlic can cause skin irritation.
- Consuming large amounts long-term may be unsafe.
Those with bleeding disorders, scheduled for surgery, taking certain medications, or with digestive sensitivities should exercise caution with garlic.
Common Garlic Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about garlic:
Does garlic go bad?
Fresh garlic cloves will slowly spoil over time and begin sprouting once the head is broken up. Signs of spoilage include mold, shriveling, drying out, and soft spots. Refrigerating garlic can extend its shelf life. Properly frozen or dehydrated garlic can last for months.
How should you store garlic?
Store whole heads of unpeeled garlic in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Refrigerating peeled cloves in an airtight container will help prevent spoilage and drying out. Mince and freeze cloves in oil or water for long-term storage.
Can you freeze garlic?
Yes, garlic can be frozen for long-term storage. Mince or crush fresh cloves, place in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze. Frozen garlic retains its flavor quite well for up to 6 months.
What’s the difference between minced and chopped garlic?
Minced garlic is cut into finer, smaller pieces than chopped garlic. Minced garlic almost looks like a paste vs. chopped garlic retaining some texture. Both work well in recipes – just adjust quantities as minced packs more concentrated flavor.
Does dehydrated garlic taste the same as fresh?
Dehydrated or dried garlic does lose some of the aromatic flavor and pop of raw, fresh garlic cloves. However, rehydrating dried garlic or simmering in dishes can help infuse dishes with intense garlic notes.
Conclusion
Understanding garlic conversions allows you to seamlessly substitute fresh cloves for minced, granulated, or powdered garlic. On average, 8 medium-sized garlic cloves yields around 2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons minced based on clove size.
When cooking and baking, start by substituting a lesser amount of powdered or granulated garlic to achieve the right intensity of flavor. Raw applications like dressings may need more garlic substitute to match the punch of fresh cloves. With a few simple equivalents and conversions in mind, you can confidently use any form of garlic.