Could Black Garlic Be Your Winter Wellness Essential?
In the thick of winter, many of us start tiring of the shorter days, colder weather, and the inevitable sniffles that seem to come with the season. While wrapping up warm and washing our hands remain essential, what we eat can also play an important role in supporting our bodies through the colder months.
Nutrition experts increasingly point to everyday foods that help support our natural defences and some of the most powerful options might already be sitting in your kitchen.
Food as Part of Your Winter Wellness Routine
According to nutritionist Kerry Torrens, writing for BBC Good Food, incorporating the right foods into your daily diet can help support overall wellbeing during autumn and winter. From oats and barley at breakfast to oily fish at dinner, small dietary choices can add up over time.
One food group that consistently stands out is alliums — particularly garlic and onions.
Why Garlic Deserves a Place on Your Plate
Garlic and onions have long been valued in traditional cooking, not just for their flavour but for their naturally occurring compounds. These foods contain sulphur-rich oils known for their antimicrobial properties and their ability to support gut health, an important factor in overall immunity.
However, not everyone loves the lingering effects of raw or cooked garlic. This is where black garlic offers a compelling alternative.
Black Garlic: A Gentler, More Versatile Option
Black garlic is made by slowly ageing white garlic under carefully controlled conditions. The result is a soft, dark clove with a rich, caramel and balsamic-like flavour. Sweet, savoury, and deeply umami.
According to Kerry Torrens, aged black garlic is often described as being more active than white garlic, while avoiding the strong after-effects that some people find off-putting. This makes it an easy and enjoyable way to incorporate garlic into your everyday diet.
At The Original Black Garlic, our black garlic is naturally aged, with no additives, preserving both flavour and functionality.
Easy Ways to Enjoy Black Garlic This Winter
One of the best things about black garlic is how effortlessly it fits into everyday meals:
Add to sauces and marinades
Stir into soups, stews, and risottos for depth and richness
Blend into dressings and dips
Use to roast meat or veggies
Its mellow sweetness means it enhances dishes without overpowering them.
A Simple Addition with Big Potential
While no single food can guarantee you’ll avoid winter colds, building a balanced, nourishing diet is one of the best ways to support your body year-round. Including aged foods like black garlic, alongside whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats, can help create a strong foundation for the colder months.
This winter, your secret ingredient might not be found in the medicine cabinet, but in your kitchen!