Cutting breaks the garlic's cells. The more cells broken, the sharper it tastes raw. Cooking softens every cut.
- Whole clove — Mildest. Roast it whole until soft and sweet.
- Sliced — Medium. Good in stir-fries and with pasta.
- Minced — Strong. Spreads evenly through a sauce.
- Paste (pressed or grated) — Sharpest raw. A little is enough in dressings and dips.
The order is for raw garlic and is a guide: cloves differ. Cooking mellows all four. Text and pictures were made with AI.



