One move. Ten seconds. Done.
How to do it
- Place the clove flat on your board.
- Lay the blade flat on top — edge facing away.
- Press down firmly with your palm. One firm hit.
- Lift the knife. The skin splits and slides off.
That's it.
Why it works
The smash breaks the bond between skin and flesh. The skin pops loose in one piece. No digging, no wet hands, no peeling under your nails.
Notes
- Works best on fresh, firm cloves. Older soft garlic needs a harder press.
- The clove comes out slightly crushed — perfect for mincing or crushing further.
- If you need whole cloves (for roasting), skip the smash and use a paring knife instead.
One press. Skin off. Move on.
