A clove of garlic is one of the small, individual segments that make up a whole head (or bulb) of garlic. Each bulb consists of multiple cloves, each covered in a thin, papery skin. Cloves are the parts of garlic that are typically peeled and used in cooking to add flavor and aroma to dishes.
Key points about a clove of garlic:
- Size: Usually about 1 to 2 centimeters long.
- Shape: Crescent-shaped or slightly curved.
- Use: Can be chopped, minced, crushed, or roasted.
- Flavor: Strong, pungent, and aromatic, becoming milder and sweeter when cooked.
If a recipe calls for "1 clove of garlic," it means you should use one of these individual segments, not the entire bulb.
