There’s nothing quite like the magnetic scent of freshly cut garlic to attract attention to action in the kitchen. And then, of course, there’s nothing like the fantastic punch of flavor freshly chopped garlic adds to any recipe you’re preparing.

First, here’s what to look for when you buy fresh garlic at the grocery store. For optimal flavor and ease of chopping, select fresh garlic bulbs that are firm to the touch and heavier in weight, not those that are dried out, spongy soft, and lighter in weight as shown in the comparison pictures below. Also, avoid garlic bulbs that have started to sprout green shoots or show signs of dark colored mold on or under the bulb’s papery white skin. Finally, select garlic bulbs with bigger garlic cloves as bigger cloves are a lot easier to peel and chop than smaller cloves.

Here’s all you need to chop fresh garlic.

Click any picture on this page for complete, easy to follow step-by-step picture book directions.