What ingredients do you need to make a good stir-fry? Extra virgin olive oil, red pepper, green pepper, onion, tomato and, of course, garlic. This has historically been an omnipresent vegetable in numerous culinary traditions around the world, due to its aromatic properties and unmistakable flavor. Its use in a wide variety of recipes and preparations, from stews to marinades, has made this seasoning ingredient an essential resource in the kitchens of any home.
Loved by some and detested by others, garlic has, as a counterpart to its enriching flavor, a persistent smell. When preparing recipes that require peeling a considerable number of garlic cloves, this essence tends to soak into our hands. That is why peeling garlic manually can be a tedious and unpleasant task. So, what can we do so that its characteristic aroma does not remain on our skin? Luckily, as with almost everything, there are kitchen tricks to peel garlic quickly and odorlessly.
The solution to this odor problem is easier than it seems. An effective technique is to use the pressure of a knife on the garlic cloves instead of our own fingers. To do this, opt for a cutlery with a short handle and a sharp tip that will make this process even easier if possible. You just have to place the garlic clove under the blade of the knife and, with the help of the palm of your hand, press on it firmly. You will then hear a slight crunch as the clove separates from the garlic peel, thus finishing the peeling in a single gesture.
If you have to peel a lot of garlic, try using a container with a lid. This technique consists of placing the garlic cloves in a container or similar, closing it and shaking it vigorously for a few seconds. The friction between the garlic will help the outer skins come off so you can finish peeling them easily. As you can see, it is a quick process that requires very little effort.
However, you can always moisten your hands before handling the garlic. Water creates a protective film that prevents odor from adhering to the skin. When you're done, rub some salt into your hands and then rinse them with soap and water to remove any remaining salt. Another option is to wash your hands with vinegar or lemon, substances that help refresh the skin and neutralize the characteristic aroma of garlic.
