Black Garlic in Canada is gaining traction within the foodservice business. “A large part of our business is coming indirectly from restaurants. Many chefs are experimenting with it because it’s a newer commodity and that business has continued to grow, which is encouraging,” says Jimmy Clubb of Quebec-based The Garlic Clubb Ltee. He notes that it also sells via distributors and processors and direct to consumers via its website and Amazon.
What is Black Garlic? It’s fresh garlic bulbs that have been cooked at a low oven temperature of 140-175 degrees F and high humidity of 90-100 percent for approximately 30 days. In the process, the garlic’s color becomes black and the texture, taste and smell change and move more towards sweet and savory rather than the pungent taste garlic is known for. For The Garlic Clubb, its supply of fresh garlic comes from Ontario though it processes the garlic itself in Quebec and it sells bulbs, peeled cloves and Black Garlic paste.
The demand for Black Garlic has been uneven over the last four years. It has been affected by COVID-19 and how it influenced people's eating habits and, more recently, the extreme food inflation which has reduced disposable income, especially for expensive commodities says Clubb. While demand was strong in 2021, 2022 was a more challenging year. “The market is very unpredictable. We can go a week or two and not get an order and then we’re deluged,” says Clubb.
Canadian black garlic
Canadian Black Garlic producers have competition from China, Spain, Argentina, the USA and others. “Awareness for black garlic is growing but it’s still not universally known,” he says.
The company is also increasing the awareness of Black Garlic by using it as a flavor base for its new line of condiments--everything from Black Garlic mayonnaise to Black Garlic soya sauce. “It’s a commodity whose job is to improve the overall flavor and not overpower everything it’s in. It’s also a wonderful flavor on its own,” says Clubb.
For more information:
Jimmy Clubb
The Garlic Clubb Ltee
[email protected]
http://www.garlicclubb.com/