What is laba garlic?

Laba garlic, also known as laba garlic pickles, is a popular Chinese dish made by pickling garlic cloves in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The dish is traditionally prepared and consumed during the Laba Festival, which falls on the 8th day of the 12th month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

Laba garlic has a strong, pungent flavor that is both spicy and tangy, thanks to the combination of garlic and the pickling liquids. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer, and is believed to have health benefits such as boosting the immune system and aiding digestion.

In addition to garlic, Laba garlic pickles may also contain other ingredients such as chili peppers, ginger, and Chinese fermented black beans. The pickling process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the desired level of flavor and fermentation.

Laba garlic is a popular dish in many regions of China, particularly in northern China where garlic is a staple ingredient in many dishes. It is also enjoyed in other Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea, where pickled garlic is a common accompaniment to meals.