This MW Polar Crunchy Black Garlic Chili Crisp came from Amazon. We were familiar with the MW Polar brand mainly from its tinned fish products. Our satisfaction with them led us to hope we'd like this chili crisp product as well. Did we know what black garlic was? No, but it made it sound all the more intriguing. Let's see if we were right.
Main Flavor Elements
- Garlic
- Onion
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
- Citric acidity
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Soybean
- Solids to oil ratio: High
- Flavor Enhancer: Yeast extract
- Potential allergens: Soy, wheat, sesame
- Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Moderate
- Texture: Thick and al dente
- Saltiness: Moderate (310mg. per 15gm.)
The $10.99 price we paid has been steady since its introduction on Amazon about three months ago. We now see the waters are being tested with it being priced at a little over $12.
The initial aroma upon opening the jar was promising. Digging in to stir it up revealed how thick and chunky it is. A very high solids to oil ratio, which we like. There's a fine, crispy crunch to it, reminiscent in some ways of one or more Japanese taberu rayu we've had in the past. But the texture is also pleasantly al dente. As expected, it is very garlic forward, also a plus. The rest of the ingredients are well-balanced, and we liked the subtle hint of vinegary tang provided by the citric acid.
There's just a fascinating complexity to the flavor profile that we couldn't stop tasting. The garlic's not in-your-face, the onion doesn't dominate, the sugar isn't too sweet, the chili doesn't blank your palate, and the soy sauce adds umami without shouting, "Hey, it's me, soy sauce!"
Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by how much there was to like about this one. The only questions left are, "Can we find it cheaper?" and, "Do we get two more jars or three?" Don't pass this one up.
Ingredients
Soybean oil, garlic, black garlic, onion, sugar, chili, sesame oil, salt, soy sauce (water, soybeans, salt, wheat, sugar, yeast extract), yeast extract, citric acid, paprika extract.
Here's what we found out about black garlic:
Black garlic is regular garlic that has been aged in a warm, humid environment, causing it to turn black with a sweet, savory, and tangy flavor, and a soft, chewy texture, similar to balsamic or molasses. This fermentation process, known as the Maillard reaction, removes the pungent bite of raw garlic, making it rich in antioxidants and popular in cooking for sauces, marinades, and spreads.
Flavor and texture
- Taste: Sweet, tangy, and savory with notes of balsamic, molasses, and caramel, lacking the sharp bite of raw garlic.
- Texture: Soft, chewy, and jelly-like, often compared to fudge.
How it's made
- Fresh garlic is aged at high temperatures (around 140°F/60°C) and humidity for several weeks.
- This slow process causes the cloves to turn black and develop their unique flavor and texture.
Culinary uses
- Can be used whole, minced, or pureed.
- Adds depth to sauces, marinades, vinaigrettes, and pasta dishes.
- Can be spread on bread like butter.
- Can be ground into a powder for seasoning.
Potential benefits
Rich in antioxidants, May help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and May help lower blood pressure.
Considerations
- People on blood-thinning or blood pressure-lowering medications should use caution, as black garlic may enhance their effects.
More Information
Brand: MW Polar
Style: Chili crisp
Price Paid: $10.99 / 7oz.
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer website: https://mwpolar.com/products/polar-crunchy-black-garlic-chili-crisp-7oz-multiple-pack-sizes
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