Garlic powder is a versatile ingredient used globally to enhance flavor in food products, seasonings, and even pharmaceuticals. Its long shelf life and convenience make it a staple in industrial food processing. However, producing high-quality garlic powder at scale requires precision, advanced equipment, and adherence to strict hygiene standards. In this guide, we’ll break down the industrial garlic powder making process into simple, actionable steps.
- Sourcing and Selection of Raw Garlic
The foundation of premium garlic powder lies in selecting fresh, high-quality garlic bulbs. Opt for firm, plump bulbs with intact skin and no signs of mold, sprouting, or damage. Varieties with high dry matter content (ideally 35–40%) are preferred, as they yield more powder and retain stronger flavor after processing.
- Peeling
Peeling garlic at scale requires automation. Industrial methods include:
Compressed air peeling: Blasts air to separate cloves from skins.abrasive rollers: Rotating rollers rub off skins without damaging cloves.Peeled cloves are inspected to remove residual skin or damaged pieces.
- Cleaning and Preparation
Raw garlic arrives at the facility with dirt, debris, and outer husks. The bulbs undergo thorough cleaning using:Air jet systems: To blow away loose dirt.Water washing: High-pressure sprays remove stubborn soil.
After cleaning, garlic is dried to prevent microbial growth during subsequent steps.
- Slicing or Dicing
Uniform slicing ensures even drying. Garlic cloves are fed into industrial slicers to create 1–2 mm thick slices. Thin, consistent pieces dry faster and minimize flavor loss.
- Drying
Drying is critical to reduce moisture content (from ~65% to ~6%) and prevent spoilage. Common methods include:
Belt drying: Garlic slices pass through a conveyor belt in a temperature-controlled chamber (50–70°C).
- Grinding and Sifting
Dried garlic slices are pulverized into powder using hammer mills or ultrafine grinders. The powder is then sifted through mesh screens (80–100 mesh) to achieve uniform particle size. Excess heat during grinding is controlled to prevent clumping or flavor degradation.
- Packaging
Garlic powder is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), so packaging must be airtight. Options include:Multi-layer foil bags with nitrogen flushing to block oxygen.Food-grade plastic containers for bulk orders.
Proper labeling and storage in cool, dry environments extend shelf life up to 2–3 years.
- Quality Control
At every stage, rigorous testing ensures safety and consistency:Moisture analysis: Confirms levels ≤6.5%.Microbial testing: Checks for yeast, mold, and pathogens.Color and flavor assessment: Maintains product uniformity.
Tips for Optimizing Industrial garlic powder making process
Use food-grade stainless steel equipment to avoid contamination.
Monitor drying temperatures closely—low and slow retains flavor.
Store raw garlic in ventilated, cool areas to delay sprouting.
Regularly calibrate machinery to ensure efficiency and safety.
Conclusion
Industrial garlic powder making process demands a blend of technology, quality control, and expertise. By following these steps, manufacturers can create a consistent, flavorful product that meets global food safety standards. Whether used in snacks, sauces, or spice blends, garlic powder’s convenience and potency ensure its enduring demand in the food industry.
Investing in efficient equipment and skilled labor will streamline operations, reduce waste, and deliver a product that stands out in a competitive market. Happy processing!
We are a garlic powder processing equipment manufacturer and supplier. We can provide all services from factory design to use. If you want to know more, you can contact us by email or phone.