The Original Black Garlic Featured in the MasterChef UK 2025 Final
Black garlic has been making waves in professional kitchens for years, and now it’s hit the spotlight on one of the UK’s most-watched food shows. In the MasterChef UK 2025 Final, plant-based chef, Sophie Sugrue, showcased The Original Black Garlic in a show-stopping starter — proving once again why this unique ingredient is a must-have for chefs, retailers, and home cooks alike.
Sophie’s MasterChef Final Dish
For her starter, Sophie created a pulled mushroom croquette filled with king oyster and chestnut mushrooms, topped with a luxurious black garlic and truffle soy mayonnaise, finished with shavings of truffle. The dish was served on a crisp leek nest with a side of confit leek.
The result? A rich, elegant, and fully plant-based plate that wowed the judges.
What the Judges Said
Black garlic stole the spotlight with its depth of flavour and balance:
Anna Haugh: “Black garlic: it’s got such complex flavour, big personality. I feel like it could be a little bit of magic.”
John Torode: “The black garlic mayonnaise: giving smokiness, sweetness, sharpness, sourness. I think it’s a great balance of flavours. I’ve got to say I really like it.”
What is Black Garlic?
Black garlic is 100% natural and is created by gently ageing white garlic bulbs with nothing but time, heat and humidity. The process transforms the cloves into soft, black gems with an umami-rich flavour profile. Think notes of caramel, balsamic, fig, and molasses — sweet, savoury, and deeply satisfying.
This natural transformation also boosts its antioxidant levels, making it not only delicious but also a choice for those looking to support overall wellbeing.
Why Cook with Black Garlic?
Black garlic is a versatile ingredient that elevates every dish. You can:
Whisk it into black garlic mayonnaise.
Blend into dips and dressings.
Add depth to sauces, marinades, gravies and stocks.
Stir into pasta, risotto, or soups.
Or simply snack on our peeled cloves straight from the pot.
Use as a plant-based alternative to enhance umami in vegan and vegetarian cooking
It’s no wonder chefs and foodies love it — a little goes a long way.
Bring MasterChef Magic to Your Kitchen
You don’t have to be a MasterChef finalist to enjoy black garlic. Whether you’re a chef, a retailer, or a home cook, The Original Black Garlic makes it easy to bring rich, umami flavour to your dishes.
👉 Explore our full range of black garlic products — including whole bulbs, peeled cloves, and smooth paste — on our online shop. Alternatively, you can pick them up in-store at M&S Food Halls or Sainsbury’s