Cultivation There are two types of garlic species:
softneck (
Allium sativum sativum) and
hardneck (
Allium sativum ophioscorodon). Hardneck garlic varieties are believed to have more flavor than softneck garlics, characterized by a
spicy and more complex taste than other garlic strands. While hardneck garlics flourish in cold weather, due to their extensive time of
vernalization, softnecks seemingly grow better in warmer climates. Distinguishing between a hardneck and softneck garlic is done through the presence of a
scape (flower stalk). The garlic most commonly used for powder is the softneck variety. Due to their less-complex
scent and
taste, the softneck garlic is more suited as a garnish or spice in dishes and also have a longer storage life than Hardneck varieties. Garlic cloves thrive when planted in mid-autumn in a location with plentiful sunlight. In tropical areas, garlic most successfully grows when planted in
Autumn, maturing in early summer and is planted in later autumn in cooler areas, to be
harvested in late summer. The larger
bulbs are split and inserted into soil, around 4-6 inches apart, and 3 inches deep, with the pointy end facing upwards. Garlic must be harvested at a particular time in order to prevent the vegetable from
rotting, while also maximising the growth of each bulb within the skin. Manufacturing garlic powder on a larger scale involves various steps, from extraction of the garlic bulbs to packaging the final powder. After harvesting the raw garlic, bulbs are cleaned under mild
pressure to remove skin and separate the cloves. The garlic is then dehydrated using both historical and newly developed methods. While old methods, such as using
natural elements of sun and wind to
evaporate water from
foodstuffs are still utilized in many parts of the world, new technology has enabled for more flexible and
economically viable procedures, such as
vacuum and freeze drying. Once the garlic cloves are dried and dehydrated, they are powdered using large scale machines and powdering units.
Milling is the process of using mechanical action to break down substances through
rotary cutting. As powder processing generally includes additives and is done in a bulk scale, the milling process breaks down materials to the required size for suppliers. Milling may require a series of steps, from de-agglomeration to fine grinding. The four components include delumpers,
conical mills, hammermills and fine
grinders.
Regions There are approximately 300 types of garlic produced worldwide. Garlic market regions include North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Within China, which produces the largest amounts of garlic, there are five main
provinces in which garlic is grown, including
Shandong,
Henan,
Jiangsu,
Yunnan and
Hebei. As soft neck varieties tend to flourish in warmer climates where winters are mild, the Chinese provinces are suitable for harvesting and manufacturing garlic powder.
Market The market for garlic powder can be split into multiple segments based on source,
packaging, end use and distribution channels. The key market players in the garlic powder industry include some of the world's most renowned manufacturers and suppliers, such as
McCormick & Company, Garlico,
Masterfoods, and
Amazon. China is the largest producer of garlic powder, followed by
India, with both countries consuming garlic powder as part of their native cuisines and having hundreds of their own internal suppliers within the countries. == Usage ==