Published by: Gourmet Sleuth Last Updated: 09/02/2013
Garlic peelers are used to shred the fine skin off a garlic clove. Garlic is sticky and the paper thin skin can be difficult to remove. Typically pros prefer to smash the garlic with the flat side of a knife blade then lift the peel away from the clove. This smashes the clove to release the oils and removes the peel in one simple process.
If you have a lot of garlic to peel, or you don't like your hands smelling like garlic.. you may want to try this classic roller-style garlic peeler.
This handy little gizmo peels garlic for you. Simply insert the garlic in the tube and roll it back and forth until you hear a slight "cracking" sound. This is the peel breaking away from the clove.
This tool makes quick work of peeling and keeps your hands clean in the process. It is particularly handy if you're preparing one of those 40-garlic-clove recipes.
The tube style garlic peeler has been on the market for over 20 years. Oxo has contributed their peeler, a slight variation that comes with a tidy little case. These products can be found at Amazon.com as well as Bed Bath and Beyond.
The traditional garlic press is used with a peeled clove of garlic (see advancements) and creates a thick glop of garlic paste. This thick paste will add a strong flavor to your recipe. The residual fibrous strands can be picked out of the bottom of the press.
Advancements - Newer versions of this style press can press the garlic, peel and all.