Lotus Garlic Vinegar (Purple Garlic Steeped in Rice Vinegar)

Why people make this

Purple-skinned garlic — sometimes sold under the poetic name “lotus garlic” (he hua suan) because the large purple cloves arranged in the bulb resemble the petals of a lotus flower — contains higher concentrations of allicin than ordinary white garlic, along with stronger antioxidant activity. Allicin is the primary bioactive compound in garlic that research links to anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, lipid-lowering and cholesterol-reducing effects. Purple-skinned varieties are available at Chinese or Asian grocers and online.

Steeping garlic in rice vinegar draws out these compounds into an accessible daily tonic. One teaspoon a day in warm water is all that is needed. The addition of rock sugar tempers the sharp, throat-catching intensity of the raw vinegar and makes the daily dose genuinely pleasant to take.