Is It Safe to Eat Garlic with Sprouts?

Garlic is one of the most essential and frequently used ingredients in kitchens around the world. Due to its widespread use, you likely keep a good stock of it at hand. Garlic is budget-friendly and easy to buy in bulk, with a shelf life of up to six months when stored correctly. I personally always keep a brown paper bag stocked with garlic in my pantry.

However, if you open your pantry and find that your garlic has sprouted, you might be torn between tossing it or attempting to use it, sprouts and all. The sprouts are simply the garlic’s natural process of regeneration — it’s trying to grow new garlic. So, can this really be a problem?

Should You Consume Garlic with Sprouts?

Garlic sprouts are completely safe to eat. Some people find them bitter, or perhaps it’s the garlic itself — which has expended its moisture and sugars to fuel the sprouting process — that carries a more intense flavor. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your dish and personal taste preferences.

If you're making a large dish like a casserole, soup, or stew, where the garlic flavor won’t dominate, feel free to use the whole garlic, sprouts and all. Alternatively, if you prefer, simply remove the sprouts and use the rest of the garlic as usual.

For raw dishes, or recipes where garlic is a key ingredient (such as those using a whole head of garlic), you may want to avoid sprouted garlic. Personally, even though sprouted garlic is sometimes considered less ideal, I’ve never noticed any real difference in flavor when I use it in my own cooking.

What to Do with Garlic That Has Sprouted

If you enjoy the grassy taste of garlic sprouts, they can be intentionally used in recipes like pesto, dressings, or as a garnish. Additionally, research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that sprouted garlic may actually have higher antioxidant levels compared to its non-sprouted form.

A sprouted garlic bulb offers a great opportunity to minimize kitchen waste. Minced garlic sprouts can add a flavorful kick to dishes like omelets or stir-fries, and pickling them is a simple way to create a vibrant, shelf-stable addition to hearty meals or a Bloody Mary cocktail.