Garlic is in season from now through summer. It stimulates the appetite and gives stamina, so it appears frequently at my home.

However, when cutting or grating garlic, the smell gets on your hands and it is difficult to get rid of. If the smell wafts into the air while you are putting on your makeup, doesn't it bother you?


This time, we will introduce two kitchen items from Kokubo Kogyosho that will solve such problems. Men will surely be a hit with the girls if they bring these items to barbecues and campsites!

Garlic Press for cleanly scooping gar

lic
The first one is a "garlic press" for squeezing and crushing garlic cloves. These devices are often seen at ramen shops these days.


All you have to do is put garlic between the levers and squeeze the levers with a tight grip. The garlic will pop out from between the fine teeth.



The tip has a wiper to scoop the garlic cleanly. In my case, it took two hands to squeeze the garlic all the way through, so it may be a little difficult for those with weak strength.

Garlic

Cutter
Next is the "Garlic Cutter," which can cut garlic in various ways. This one places peeled garlic cloves on the cutter blade and presses the lid to seal it. Although not as strong as the garlic press, it requires a lot of force, so place it on a stable surface and press down as hard as you can from directly above.




The tray will make a "bussing" sound and the cut garlic will accumulate in the tray. Then simply pull out the tray and use it as is for cooking.


The bottom of the unit has a cutter for slicing, which can be replaced. Both slicers are coarser (thicker) than a kitchen knife, but I don't think this will be a problem for daily cooking.




The blade is safe to touch by hand and all parts are washable. By the way, you can also grind with the bottom of the case, so this one is quite versatile.

Recipes for enjoying garlic in a simple way

After the preparation of garlic, it's time to enjoy garlic cooking. The official website of Kokubo Kogyosho includes recipes, among which "Tomato cheese ajillo" is simple but excellent!


This one is made by frying garlic, chopped bacon, and olive oil, throwing in boiled macaroni, and seasoning with mayonnaise and cream. It is simple but addictive.


The garlic press is priced at 2,400 yen and the garlic cutter at 1,800 yen (both excluding tax). Those who use garlic frequently and those who really don't want to use their hands are well advised to have one!