An innovative addition to any relish tray, pickled garlic can also be used to spice up many sauces and other recipes. Pickled garlic is made by soaking fresh, whole garlic cloves in vinegar for an extended period of time. Like other relishes, pickled garlic can be purchased ready-to-eat from many specialty stores. Pickled garlic comes in jars and can be found in a variety of flavors, such as spicy, mild, and habanero, as well as plain. An 8-ounce (226.9 g) jar usually costs between 3 and 5 US dollars (USD).

For those who are particularly adventurous in the kitchen, pickled garlic can also be made at home. Recipes vary depending on the specific tastes of the cook, but most follow the same basic structure. The preparation time is minimal, but the soaking of the garlic lengthens the project.

In order to make pickled garlic, peel as many whole garlic cloves as you wish to pickle. Next, bring six parts white vinegar and one part white sugar to a boil in a large saucepan. Boil the garlic for five minutes, then pour the garlic and liquid into jars. Other ingredients, such as dill, celery seed, or peppers, can be added during the boiling stage to achieve a different flavor.

Once the jars have been filled, seal them and store them in the refrigerator. In approximately three weeks, you will have your own home-made pickled garlic. You can eat your pickled garlic straight out of the jar, add it to spaghetti sauce or tuna salad, or use it as a garnish for salads.

Pickled garlic is not only a delicious treat for garlic lovers. Like fresh garlic, pickled garlic also has a variety of health benefits. Historically, garlic has been used to treat arthritis, freckles, and cancer. Today, garlic has been proven to contribute to cardiovascular health and to boost the immune system.