Cutting garlic crosswise refers to slicing garlic cloves perpendicular to the root end. This results in round slices that expose more of the interior of the garlic clove. Crosswise cutting maximizes the release of garlic’s flavors, oils, and aromas when cooking. It’s the preferred method for most recipes calling for minced or chopped garlic. Read on to learn more about crosswise cutting, how it differs from lengthwise cuts, when to use each method, and tips for prepping garlic.
What is Crosswise Cutting?
Cutting crosswise simply means slicing perpendicular to the long axis of the garlic clove. Picture a head of garlic – it has multiple cloves clustered together, each with a narrow root end and broader cloves tapering to a point. Crosswise cuts are made at 90 degrees to the root-to-tip axis.
This results in round slices that expose the interior of the garlic clove. Cutting crosswise breaks through more garlic cells and membranes to release garlic’s characteristic flavors, oils, and aromas. It maximizes the flavor and aroma in each slice.
Crosswise vs Lengthwise
Crosswise cutting differs from lengthwise cuts along the root-to-tip axis. Lengthwise cuts result in long oval slices that keep more of the garlic cells intact. The flavor is milder compared to crosswise slices.
Lengthwise cuts are best for large slices or chunks of garlic, or when a subtle garlic flavor is desired. Crosswise cuts are preferred when garlic needs to be minced or chopped. The increased flavor release is ideal for the small pieces.
Other Ways to Slice Garlic
Besides crosswise and lengthwise, garlic can also be cut:
- On a bias – angled 45 degrees from crosswise and lengthwise.
- Peeled and smashed – flatten whole cloves with the side of a knife.
- Thinly shaved – thin slices peeled with a vegetable peeler.
- Minced – finely chopped into very small pieces.
The cut used depends on the recipe and how much garlic flavor is wanted.
When to Cut Garlic Crosswise
Cutting garlic crosswise is the right choice in most cases when a recipe calls for:
- Minced garlic – tiny pieces release the most flavor.
- Chopped garlic – dices also benefit from crosswise cuts.
- Garlic paste – mashing crosswise slices makes a smooth paste.
- Garlic butter – combining with butter evenly distributes garlic flavor.
- Garlic oil – infusing oil with crosswise slices draws out the most aroma.
- Garlic powder – dehydrating and grinding crosswise slices makes it most potent.
Recipes where garlic is a background flavor rather than star ingredient may use lengthwise cuts instead. This includes dishes like:
- Roasting whole garlic bulbs or individual cloves.
- Large garlic slices for pasta, pizza, sandwiches.
- Garlic bread using thick lengthwise slices.
Follow recipe directions, as some will specify lengthwise or crosswise cuts depending on the desired result.
Benefits of Crosswise Cut Garlic
Why go through the extra trouble to cut garlic crosswise? What benefits does it provide?
Maximizes Flavor Release
Crosswise slices rupture more garlic cells to expose the flavorful compounds inside. The increased surface area means more flavor and aroma gets released when heated. It packs more punch into every slice.
Enables More Even Cooking
The relatively flat crosswise slices cook more evenly than long tapered lengthwise slices. There’s less risk of scorching or undercooking.
Speeds Up Infusion
Theexposed garlic interior infuses more quickly into cooking oils, butters, vinegars, and spirits. This minimizes cooking time.
Easier to Chop Finely
Round slices are easier to rock a knife over to mince or chop into small uniform pieces. Long slices tend to slide around more.
Good for Raw Applications
The bite-size round pieces are perfect for raw applications like salsa or salad dressing. Lengthwise would be too unwieldy.
Tips for Prepping Garlic
Follow these tips for prepping garlic crosswise:
- Select firm, fresh bulbs – Avoid garlic that is shriveled or has green sprouts.
- Keep unpeeled cloves whole until ready to slice for maximum freshness.
- Trim root end for flat edge against cutting board.
- Slice thinly – 1/16 to 1/8 inch for optimal flavor release.
- Chop and mince with rocking motion over cloves.
- Smash before chopping for more intense raw garlic flavor (optional).
- Have ready before cooking as flavor declines quickly.
A sharp knife makes cleaner cuts. Use a straight up-and-down motion without rocking to prevent crushing.
Conclusion
Crosswise cutting maximizes garlic’s delicious flavors and aromas in cooked dishes. The round slices expose more interior garlic cells to release the flavors and speed infusion. It’s the best technique for achieving optimal garlic flavor in the majority of applications where garlic needs to be finely chopped, minced, mashed, or otherwise broken down. Follow these tips for prepping garlic crosswise and enjoy the benefits in your cooking.