10 second mess-free way to peel garlic that’s ‘expert-approved’

Garlic is a favourite in many dishes and we often add far more than the recipe calls for. But peeling it can be tricky – and sometimes the peel gets stuck under your fingernails, leaving you with a strong smelling hands for hours.

Luckily, there’s a quick 10-second trick to make it easier. According to Which?, giving a clove a short blast in the microwave prevents the papery skin from slowing you down.

Simply heat an unpeeled clove for 10 to 15 seconds. The gentle warmth creates a bit of steam between the clove and its skin, loosening it so it slides off easily. This works best with single cloves rather than a whole bulb. Just be careful as the clove may be hot when you take it out.

What are the health benefits of garlic?

Garlic doesn’t just smell and taste good – it has a whole host of benefits. According to BBC Good Food, it boasts the following:

Varied therapeutic properties thanks to a bioactive compound called allicin
Acts like an anticoagulant, so it reduces the risk of heart attacks
May help manage blood pressure
May inhibit the growth of cancerous cells
Has been known for its antibacterial properties
May relieve the symptoms of arthritis
May support joint health
May help prevent or reduce symptoms of the common cold
May protect the brain
May improve exercise performance

Discussing its benefits, the BBC experts explain that “research has focused on garlic’s potential in reducing the risk of heart disease and helping to manage cholesterol levels.” Some studies also found that it can help prevent platelets, the cells responsible for blood clotting, from sticking together and building up on artery walls. This means garlic could act as a natural blood thinner, which can help lower the risk of a heart attack.

The benefits do not end there, as it can help lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely. It is also rich in compounds which may help boost brain health and “slow the progression of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

Is it safe for me to eat garlic?

Garlic is common in many dishes, but it’s not for everyone. Allergies are rare, but if you suspect one, stop eating garlic and talk to your doctor. It is worth knowing that eating large amounts may also cause indigestion, gas, or diarrhoea.

The BBC experts stress: “If you take garlic supplements for cholesterol management, have your cholesterol levels checked after three months. The recommended daily amount of garlic ranges from ½-1 whole clove per day (around 3000-6000mcg of allicin).”

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