Knoblauchpresse

A garlic press, known in German as a "Knoblauchpresse," is a kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves. It typically consists of a handle with two hinged levers, a perforated bowl where the garlic is placed, and a plunger that forces the garlic through the holes. This action breaks down the garlic's cell walls, releasing its essential oils and flavor more readily than chopping or mincing.

The design of a garlic press allows for a quick and efficient way to prepare garlic, particularly for recipes where a strong, fresh garlic flavor is desired. While it achieves a similar result to mincing, the texture of the garlic produced by a press is often finer and more paste-like. Some presses are designed to handle unpeeled garlic, with the peel being left behind in the bowl after pressing.

Garlic presses are generally made from metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, or from durable plastic. They are relatively simple to use and clean, though residue can sometimes get stuck in the perforations. The effectiveness and ease of use can vary between different models and brands. The primary advantage of a garlic press is its speed and the intensity of flavor it extracts from the garlic.