When it comes to purchasing fresh garlic, whether you are a food buyer, a catering professional, or a home user, having a scientific standard for quality judgment is crucial. This article will guide you through the multi - dimensional indicators for judging the quality of fresh garlic.
Visually, the size uniformity of garlic cloves is an important factor. High - quality garlic usually has cloves that are relatively similar in size. A large difference in clove size may indicate uneven growth conditions. The epidermis of the garlic should have a good luster and be intact. Any signs of mold, mechanical damage, or discoloration can significantly affect the quality of the garlic. For example, if there are dark spots or areas of decay on the epidermis, it is likely that the garlic has started to deteriorate. In terms of touch, a fresh garlic bulb should feel firm, and the cloves should be tightly packed together. Soft or spongy areas are often a sign of internal damage or spoilage.
Modern cold storage and preservation technology plays a key role in extending the shelf - life of garlic. At the core of this technology is the principle of using low temperatures to slow down enzyme activity and control moisture loss.
Enzymes in garlic are responsible for many biochemical reactions that can lead to spoilage. At normal temperatures, these enzymes are highly active, causing the garlic to age and lose its quality. However, when the temperature is lowered, the activity of these enzymes is significantly reduced. For instance, research has shown that at a temperature of around 0 - 4°C, the enzyme activity in garlic can be reduced by up to 70% compared to room temperature, which greatly slows down the process of decay.
Another important aspect is the control of moisture loss. Garlic contains a certain amount of water, and if this water is lost too quickly, the garlic will become dry and lose its crisp texture. Cold storage helps to maintain a relatively stable humidity environment around the garlic, reducing the rate of water evaporation. In a well - controlled cold storage environment, the moisture loss of garlic can be kept below 5% over a period of several months, which is crucial for maintaining the freshness and nutritional value of the garlic.
Whether in a procurement or a home storage scenario, proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of garlic. In terms of temperature and humidity control, it is recommended to store garlic at a temperature between 0 - 4°C and a relative humidity of 60 - 70%. This can be achieved by using a refrigerator or a specialized cold storage facility.
Light can also have a negative impact on the quality of garlic. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can accelerate the aging process of garlic and cause the loss of certain nutrients. Therefore, garlic should be stored in a dark place. For example, you can place the garlic in a sealed container or a paper bag and store it in a pantry or the refrigerator.
| Storage Condition | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4°C temperature | Slows down enzyme activity and decay |
| 60 - 70% relative humidity | Reduces moisture loss |
| Dark place | Prevents nutrient loss due to light |
There have been many cases in the industry where the quality of garlic was misjudged. For example, some buyers only focus on the price and appearance of the garlic, ignoring the internal quality and storage conditions. A batch of garlic with a seemingly good appearance but improper storage may have already started to deteriorate internally, which can lead to significant losses for the buyer. Another common misjudgment is over - relying on the size of the garlic bulb. Larger bulbs are not always of better quality. Sometimes, large bulbs may have a lower density of cloves or may be more prone to spoilage.
Yishangqiao uses advanced cold storage and preservation technology to extend the shelf - life of garlic. By precisely controlling the temperature and humidity in the storage environment, Yishangqiao can maintain the crisp texture and nutritional value of the garlic cloves. For example, through their state - of - the - art cold storage facilities, they can keep the garlic in an optimal condition for up to 6 months, which is much longer than the average shelf - life of garlic under normal storage conditions.
Choose Yishangqiao, and ensure the freshness and quality of every clove of garlic. If you want to learn more about high - quality garlic and advanced storage technology, click here.
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