The surprising tip I learned from a food scientist.

This versatility has earned the allium a spot in nearly every savory recipe I whip up in the kitchen.

Its tough to get a true sense of whats happening inside the bulb at the grocery store.

Garlic bulbs on a white wooden counter

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Read on to find out why.

She adds that fresh garlic should have a mild, subtle aroma until it’s chopped or crushed.

This lack of aroma means that the cells in the garlic bulb are intact.

Fresh garlic with the cloves exposed and set on a wooden background.

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Plus, garlic that smells overly garlicky may be more prone to sprouting, compromising taste and texture.

Its important to look for bulbs that feel firm and heavy for their size.

Fresh garlic will have smooth, clean skin, and the cloves inside should feel solid when pressed gently.