The Fastest Way to Peel Garlic: 20 Cloves in 10 Seconds
Peeling garlic can be a frustratingly time-consuming task, especially when you’re working with multiple cloves. Fortunately, there’s a quick and efficient way to peel an entire head of garlic in no time. Whether you need garlic for a recipe or to stock up for later, this method is simple, requires minimal tools, and takes just seconds to complete. Here’s how you can peel 20 cloves of garlic in just 10 seconds!
Step 1: Break the Bulb
Start with a whole bulb of garlic. Place it on a cutting board, with the root side facing upwards. Using the palm of your hand, press down firmly on the bulb. The pressure will break apart the individual cloves from the head, separating them easily. This saves you from having to peel them one by one, which is usually the most tedious part of the process.
Step 2: Remove the Cloves
Once the bulb is broken, gather all the separated cloves and discard the excess garlic paper. Each clove will now be ready for the next step.
Step 3: Trim the Cloves
Using a paring knife, cut off the small end of each clove where it was attached to the root. This small trim helps to loosen the skin and makes it easier to peel in the next step.
Step 4: Shake the Cloves
Now comes the magic trick. Place the garlic cloves into a mason jar with a lid, or any sturdy glass container. If you don’t have a jar, a bowl covered with a plate will also work. Once your container is ready, shake it vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. The friction created by the cloves rubbing against each other and the walls of the jar will cause the skins to loosen.
Step 5: Separate the Cloves from the Skin
After shaking, remove the lid and check the cloves. Most, if not all, of the skins will have fallen off. If a few cloves still have their skins attached, simply repeat the shaking process for a few more seconds. When finished, discard the papery skins, and you’ll be left with perfectly peeled garlic cloves, ready to use.
Why This Method Works
This method is fast and effective because it combines two key actions—pressure and friction. By pressing down on the bulb, you break apart the cloves quickly, saving time over peeling each clove individually. Shaking the cloves in a jar causes enough friction for the skins to naturally separate from the cloves without any manual peeling.
In less than 10 seconds, you can have up to 20 cloves of garlic peeled and ready for use. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or prepping ingredients in advance, this method is a lifesaver in the kitchen. No more tedious peeling one clove at a time; just break, shake, and you’re done!
Give this method a try next time you need garlic, and you’ll never go back to the slow, manual peeling process again.
