Lisa Rosenberg M.S, M.B.A

Purple Garlic: The Richer Garlic Variety You Need To Know About

Have you heard of purple garlic? Despite its unique flavor profile and versatility, purple garlic is a bit of a culinary underdog in home kitchens. Keep reading to learn more about what gives purple garlic its purplish skin, the difference between purple and white garlic, and how to incorporate purple garlic into your favorite recipes.

What Is Purple Garlic?

“Why is my garlic purple?” Although purple garlic’s papery skin is naturally purple, the inner cloves are the same color as white garlic cloves. Purple garlic is a type of hardneck garlic, with a woody stalk that grows through the center of each bulb.

What Makes Garlic Purple: The Science Behind the Color

Purple garlic is a genetic variety of garlic that has a color intensity ranging from pastel lavender to deep purple or maroon. Anthocyanins in purple garlic create the distinctive color. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring blue, violet, or red flavonoid pigments found in plants like red cabbage, blueberries, and purple garlic. In garlic, the purple color develops during growth, not after the bulbs are harvested.

Purple Garlic Flavor Profile: What Makes It Different

From raw to roasted preparations, purple garlic shines with a rich and moderately smooth flavor that adds depth to dishes. Raw purple garlic is less pungent and has larger cloves that make it easier to peel than raw white garlic, so many chefs and home cooks prefer it when making aioli and salad dressings. Purple garlic mellows beautifully when roasted, which brings out its earthy flavor and slight sweetness.

Recipes Featuring Purple Garlic

Substitute purple garlic for white garlic in these delicious recipes.

Creamy Garlic Pasta Salad

Raw purple garlic has a milder flavor than raw white garlic, so it’s the perfect pop of warm spice in this easy pasta salad.

Serving suggestion: Toss in leftover grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying main course that also saves well.

Garlicky Shrimp Stir-Fry

When cooked, purple garlic imparts a complex flavor that works well with the umami flavors in this shrimp stir-fry.

Serving suggestion: Before you start your stir-fry, prepare white or brown rice in a pot or rice cooker so dinner is ready to assemble when you finish stir-frying.

Garlicky Deviled Eggs

Add some zing to your spring picnic platter with these crowd-pleasing deviled eggs.

Pro tip: Arrange your deviled eggs in a single layer in an airtight container, and you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Purple Garlic vs. White Garlic: Comparison Table

Characteristic	Purple Garlic	White Garlic
Appearance	Purple/reddish skin	White/cream skin
Type	Hardneck variety	Softneck variety, usually
Flavor	Rich, complex, slightly spicy	Sharp, straightforward, pungent
Best For	Roasting, sauces, gourmet dishes	Everyday cooking, raw applications
Shelf Life	Shorter (6-8 months)	Longer (9-12 months)
Availability	Specialty stores, farmers markets	Widely available year-round

Health Benefits of Purple Garlic

Though all garlic offers many potential health benefits, purple garlic may contain a higher number of antioxidants from the anthocyanin than white garlic varieties. Purple garlic’s high concentrations of allicin (a compound with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties) could help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Just like white garlic, purple garlic may also support cardiovascular health, potentially lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Where To Buy Purple Garlic

Here’s where to find purple garlic near you:

Farmers markets (especially late June – early August, during harvest season)
Specialty grocery stores
Asian or international markets
Major grocery store chains, in-store and online
Online at Spice World Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of garlic to eat?

Purple garlic and white garlic both offer excellent flavor and potential health benefits. Use purple garlic when you’d like a deeper, more complex garlic flavor, like in marinades and sauces.

Why do some chefs prefer purple garlic?

Purple garlic has become a favorite among many chefs due to its versatility in raw and cooked menu items, its aesthetic appeal, and its milder yet complex flavor.

Can purple garlic be used instead of white garlic?

Yes. You can use an equal amount of purple garlic in recipes that call for white garlic.

How should you store garlic?

Store bulbs in a mesh bag and keep them in the pantry, away from direct sunlight and humidity. You can also place bulbs in a brown paper bag and store in your refrigerator’s crisper (produce) drawer for a dark, cool environment.