Garlic is one of the most popular culinary ingredients worldwide, renowned for its distinctive flavor and potential health benefits. To meet the high demand for garlic in various forms such as whole bulbs, powder, flakes, or paste, garlic processing has become an essential industry. In this blog, we’ll explore how garlic is processed commercially in factories, detailing each step in the journey from raw garlic bulbs to the final product.
- Harvesting and Sorting
The first step in the commercial processing of garlic is harvesting the bulbs. Garlic is usually harvested when the foliage turns brown and begins to dry out. Once harvested, the garlic is left to dry for a few days in the field or a controlled environment.After drying, the garlic bulbs are sorted based on quality, size, and variety. The sorted garlic is then cleaned to remove dirt and any other impurities. - Peeling
Once the garlic bulbs are sorted, the next step is peeling. Peeling is essential for many garlic products such as paste, powder, or minced garlic. Factories use mechanical peeling machines to remove the outer skin efficiently. These machines often use high-pressure air, water, or a combination of both to strip the skin off the cloves without damaging them. - Slicing and Chopping
After peeling, the garlic cloves are often sliced or chopped, depending on the desired end product. Slicing machines cut the garlic cloves into uniform thin slices, while chopping machines mince the cloves into smaller pieces. This process is necessary for making garlic powder, flakes, or minced garlic. - Drying
Drying is a crucial step in garlic processing, especially for products like garlic powder and flakes. The garlic slices or chopped pieces are placed in large drying ovens that use hot air to remove moisture. This process preserves the garlic and extends its shelf life. - Grinding or Crushing
For products such as garlic powder or paste, the dried garlic is ground into a fine powder or crushed into a paste. Grinding machines pulverize the dried garlic slices into a consistent powder, while crushing machines turn the minced garlic into a smooth paste. - Packaging
Once the garlic has been processed into the desired form, it is packaged for sale. Factories use automated packaging machines to weigh and package the garlic into various forms such as bags, jars, or bottles. The packaging is labeled with essential information such as the product type, weight, and expiry date. - Quality Control and Inspection
Throughout the processing and packaging stages, quality control is essential to ensure that the garlic meets safety and quality standards. Samples are tested regularly for freshness, flavor, and appearance. Additionally, factories follow strict hygiene and safety protocols to maintain the quality of the product.
Conclusion
The commercial processing of garlic involves several steps, from harvesting and sorting to peeling, drying, and packaging. By using advanced machinery and technology, factories can efficiently produce various garlic products to meet consumer demands. These processes ensure that the garlic you find on store shelves is of the highest quality, ready to enhance your favorite dishes with its unique flavor.
We can provide a complete garlic peeling processing line. If you want to start related business, you can contact us at any time and we will provide you with a complete solution and quotation.