Garlic is a common seasoning vegetable in many households and a vital flavoring ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It's frequently seen in stir-fries, cold dishes, barbecues, and dipping sauces.
When whole, garlic has a relatively mild aroma. However, when the cloves are cut, crushed, or minced, they develop a distinct pungent aroma. This change makes garlic a very distinctive seasoning. Adding minced garlic to stir-fries allows the oil to fully release its garlic flavor; adding minced garlic to cold dishes enriches the overall taste.
There are many ways to use garlic: it can be sliced, minced, crushed, or added whole to stews and simmered dishes. Different processing methods result in different aroma profiles.