Garlic is a familiar ingredient in many kitchens. Not only does it enhance the flavor of dishes, but eating raw garlic daily can also bring numerous health benefits.

However, if garlic is pickled incorrectly, it can easily turn green or blue, which looks unappetizing. To avoid this, make sure to follow a special step during the pickling process that guarantees your garlic stays white, crunchy, and visually appealing.

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Health Benefits of Garlic You Should Know

Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has been proven to promote health in many ways, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, which benefits heart health. Here are some of the notable health benefits:

• Supports Brain Health: Garlic is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and copper. Vitamin B6 and magnesium in garlic are linked to improved mood and cognitive function.

• Boosts Immune System: Garlic is a great source of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. According to the USDA, about three cloves of garlic provide roughly three milligrams of vitamin C. Adding a bit of raw garlic to your meals can support your body’s defenses.

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Garlic contains allyl sulfides, compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These help slow down the growth of cancer cells and protect the body from harmful free radicals and oxidative stress.

• Lowers Cholesterol & Protects the Heart: Garlic has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) by 10-15%, without lowering HDL ("good" cholesterol). Including garlic in your diet is a natural and flavorful way to support heart health, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.

• May Help Prevent Cancer: Studies suggest that women who eat garlic regularly, along with other fruits and vegetables, have a 35% lower risk of colorectal cancer. However, experts say more research is needed to fully understand garlic’s role in cancer prevention.

• Detoxifies the Body: Garlic promotes detoxification by increasing glutathione production through various liver enzymes. It also supplies bioactive selenium and sulfur compounds that support the body’s natural cleansing processes, helping combat pollution and toxins from modern life.

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How to Keep Pickled Garlic White and Crunchy

Because garlic is so healthy, it’s great to include it regularly in your diet. Besides adding it to dishes, you can make pickled garlic in vinegar to accompany soups like bún, miến, or phở. However, garlic pickled without care can turn green or blue, which looks unattractive.

To avoid this, follow this simple but essential step when pickling:

1. After peeling, slice each garlic bulb lengthwise into halves or thirds depending on size.

2. Soak the sliced garlic in a bowl filled with vinegar.

3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

This step helps maintain the garlic’s white color and crunchy texture even after being stored for weeks.

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Detailed Recipe for Crunchy, Tasty Pickled Garlic

Ingredients:

• Fresh garlic bulbs

• Vinegar (preferably white vinegar)

• Salt (or seasoning powder)

• Sugar

• Fresh chili peppers (red and green)

Instructions:

1. Choose mature garlic with dry, smooth skin — avoid wrinkled or soft bulbs.

2. To peel quickly and avoid irritation, soak garlic in water for 20 minutes before peeling.

3. Wash chili peppers, drain, and remove stems.

4. Slice peeled garlic lengthwise, then soak in vinegar as described above.

5. After 1 hour, drain garlic and transfer to another bowl.

6. Mix garlic with sugar and salt, letting it marinate for 15 minutes to absorb flavors.

7. Use a clean, dry ceramic jar for pickling. Layer garlic and chili alternately until the jar is full.

8. Pour enough vinegar to fully cover the garlic and chili.

9. Seal the jar tightly and leave it in a cool, dry place for 2 days.

10. After 2 days, refrigerate the jar and enjoy gradually.

Note: Always use clean utensils to take garlic out of the jar to avoid contamination.

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Final Tips

This method keeps your pickled garlic white, crunchy, and flavorful for up to a month or longer. Pickled garlic is a perfect accompaniment to many Vietnamese noodle soups and dishes, adding a tangy, spicy kick and a boost of health benefits.

Give it a try — this simple step will change your pickled garlic experience forever!