The Garlic Bulb
The garlic bulb is the below-ground storage structure of the garlic plant (Allium sativum), a papery-skinned head made up of numerous individual cloves. Raw or lightly cooked garlic has a sharp, pungent bite, while longer cooking mellows and sweetens the flavor, so the cooking method used - raw, sautéed, or roasted whole - changes how it reads in a dish. Cloves are minced or crushed and used across most of the world's cuisines to season sauces, marinades, roasted meats, and vegetables. It pairs especially well with acidic ingredients such as vinegar, lemon, and wine, which balance its pungency.