What's so great about Aomori garlic? A thorough explanation of the differences and the secret to its deliciousness!

at the supermarketAomori Garlic, I feel a little proud. Living in Aomori Prefecture, it's natural to assume that garlic is from Aomori, but its taste and aroma are highly regarded nationwide, and some say that once you try it, you'll never forget it.

In this article, we will explain why Aomori has become a major garlic producing region and what makes it different from other garlic producing regions

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Why is Aomori a famous producer of garlic?

The secret to its deliciousness is Aomori's harsh winter

Winters in Aomori are harsh and snowy, but I've heard from farmers that this cold actually deepens the flavor of the garlic. Apparently, Aomori garlic stores sugar under the snow. This is probably the same principle as snow-stored apples and Fukaura snow carrots. The climate unique to a snowy regiondelicacytransforms garlic, which was once just an aromatic vegetable, into a

What is the world-famous "Fukuchi White"?

When discussing garlic from Aomori Prefecture, one variety that cannot be overlooked is "Fukuchi White Rokkaku." As the name suggests, each bulb is packed with six or so large cloves. The skin is pure white and beautiful, the cloves are uniform in size and shape, and it truly looks high-quality.

The defining feature of Fukuchi White Six-Peen is its overwhelmingly strong flavor. It cannot be compared to any other commercially available product, let alone Chinese-made ones. It's fragrant when used in stir-fries, and when grated, it has a deep flavor that's not just spicy. When I was living outside of the prefecture, I bought commercially available imported garlic and was once again amazed at the difference

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What's so great about Aomori garlic? How does it differ from Chinese garlic?

Large and beautiful looking

The first thing that strikes you is the size and beauty. If you compare the garlic lined up in the supermarket, you can tell at a glance that Aomori garlic is larger, with a glossy, even surface. It has a clearer presence than imported garlic. Even before you start cooking, you can feel that you are using good ingredients

I think the reason it makes a great gift is because of its beautiful appearance

The impact of the aroma and flavor is unmatched

The aroma that rises the moment you cut it far surpasses that of Chinese garlic. Once lightly cooked, the entire kitchen is instantly enveloped in an appetizing aroma. Chinese garlic is convenient, but it doesn't have the same breadth and depth of aroma. Once you get used to using it, you'll find that anything other than Aomori garlic just isn't enough

When heated, it becomes sweet and has a punchy flavor

The fascinating thing about Aomori garlic is that it changes completely when cooked. When raw, it has a spicy and pungent taste, but when cooked, it turns into a fluffy, sweet, potato-like texture

I often bake it in foil and eat it whole, and its melting texture and sweetness make it seem like a completely different ingredient. It's more like eating chestnuts or taro than garlic, and it's so fluffy. I think that being able to enjoy it in this way is something that only Aomori garlic can offer

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Garlic is the star! How to use it in a way that is unique to Aomori

Make it a feast by baking it in foil or making it into ajillo

If you're using garlic as the main ingredient, we recommend a simple foil roast. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil with the skin on and bake it slowly in the toaster for 15 to 20 minutes. Once it's cooked through, sprinkle a little salt on it for a delicious dish

It's also delicious when made into ajillo. Its presence rivals that of shrimp and mushrooms, making it a main dish. It also pairs perfectly with alcohol, so you'll find yourself eating more and more

Rice cooked with whole garlic is delicious!

I've recently become obsessed with garlic rice. It's a simple recipe that involves cooking 3-4 peeled cloves of garlic together with rice. The delicious aroma stimulates your appetite while it's cooking, and the smell alone makes you want to eat rice. The sweetness of the rice blends with the umami of the garlic, and the flavor unfolds the more you chew. It's also delicious with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to your liking, and I recommend making it into rice balls

If you haven't tried it yet, just give it a try and see for yourself!

The best solution is to use it as an ingredient rather than as a condiment

Garlic from Aomori Prefecture is not just for use as a condiment or flavoring; it has the appeal of being "garlic to eat." Instead of just chopping it up, try using it whole, boiled or roasted, and letting it take center stage. Doing so will allow the true power of the ingredient to shine through.

It might be a bit extravagant, but it's worth it

How to Select and Store Aomori Garlic

Can't you tell just by looking at the "Made in Japan" label?

"domestically produced garlicEven if a product in the supermarket is labeledAomori PrefectureIt's important to check whether it's clearly labeled

Other points to check are the firmness of the kernels, the whiteness of their color, and whether the base is completely dry. Beautiful appearance is also proof of freshness and good quality

It is recommended to store it frozen or in oil

If you buy a lot of Aomori garlic, you'll need to be creative in how you store it. Peel it, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze it to make it last longer, or grate it for immediate use

Also, when soaked in olive oil, it makes a great fragrant seasoning oil. Just adding a little to stir-fries or pasta dishes will greatly deepen the flavor

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Aomori garlic is not just a supporting role, it's the star of your dinner table

Aomori garlic is not just a flavoring vegetable. Its appearance, aroma, and taste are all top-notch, and it not only elevates dishes, but can also play a leading role in some dishes

In my daily cooking, I've come to realize more and more how much garlic can make a difference. If I had to choose, I'd go for Aomori garlic. If you haven't tried Aomori garlic yet, I highly recommend trying it at the supermarket. You'll be shocked by the incomparable aroma and flavor!

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