Item: GarlicCard
Price: $7.99
Overall Impression: A handy tool that grates the garlic, not your fingers.

For those who love strong, garlicky flavor, finely grating it is the way to go. Here's a tool that quickly and easily grates garlic (and ginger) without harming your fingers in the process.

The Review

Characteristics and Specs: Slightly larger than a credit card, the plastic GarlicCard comes in six colors: yellow, red, blue, green, pink, and black. Unlike the previous version, which was completely flat, this GarlicCard has a curved shape that makes it easier to handle.
Favorite details: The teeth are not sharp to the touch, so it's safer than using a metal grater. It's also very easy to clean.
Splurge-worthy? While not essential, it's a nice tool to have if you frequently grate garlic.
Good for small kitchens? The GarlicCard is small and easy to store.

There are a number of tools one can use to finely grate garlic, from a chef's knife to a garlic press or even a fork. I generally use a Microplane grater, but there have been a few times when I've scraped my fingers along with a clove of garlic or knob of ginger (ouch!). I also have a Japanese-style metal garlic/ginger grater but find the teeth uncomfortably sharp.

While testing the GarlicCard, I have appreciated how quickly it does the same job without any danger to the fingers. The sturdy, curved shape makes it easy to hold against a cutting board or countertop while grating. Unlike a lot of gadgets, this one's small and unassuming enough to store easily. Yet, personally, I still find it more comfortable to hold my long Microplane, especially when I grate garlic or ginger directly into a pot or pan. How much you like the GarlicCard might depend on your cooking style. One thing is for sure, though: it's remarkably easy to clean with a quick rinse under running water.

Have you used the GarlicCard?

Find It! GarlicCard, $7.99 at Chefini

Related: Whole, Crushed, or Minced Garlic: What's the Difference?

Apartment Therapy Media makes every effort to test and review products fairly and transparently. The views expressed in this review are the personal views of the reviewer and this particular product review was not sponsored or paid for in any way by the manufacturer or an agent working on their behalf. However, the manufacturer did give us the product for testing and review purposes.

(Images: Emily Ho; GarlicCard)