Dear Garlic Gal: 

A very good question, and one many other garlic heads may be wondering about, as well.  

The biggest difference you’ll notice right off the bat is the difference in size.  Elephant garlic is MUCH bigger than regular garlic.  One clove of elephant garlic can be as big as an entire head of regular.  And there is a VERY big difference in taste, as well as size.  

It has the same properties as regular garlic, meaning it needs to be kept in a cool, dry place, and when you buy it, you’ll want to buy firm, dry bulbs.  It’s usually kept next to the regular garlic in your local grocery store, and fortunately, it’s not considered a specialty item any more, and can be found in most local supermarkets. 

Even though they are from the same family, elephant garlic is less intense in flavor than regular garlic, and is a bit sweeter.  In fact, people that don’t like a heavy garlic taste, often use elephant garlic instead of regular garlic.  When using it in recipes, it’s chopped, diced, and sautéed the same way as regular, you just don’t get that huge garlic punch! 

I can go either way, and really don’t have a preference.  However, if I’m entertaining, and know a guest doesn’t care for garlic, I usually omit it from the recipe or have been known on occasion to slip in a bit of elephant garlic.  You’d be amazed at how much they LOVE the dish, and haven’t a clue there’s garlic in it! 

Just remember this simple rule to help you decide which one you want to use…if you’re looking for a strong, garlic flavor, use regular garlic.  If you want to be kissable, then go with the elephant garlic.  Same garlic flavor, just less intense!