Why do some cookery experts prefer not to use a garlic crusher?
Many experienced cooks prefer to use a knife to cursh garlic because garlic crushers can be hard to clean and may harbor stale remnants that can taint the next dish. Crushing garlic also releases acrid-tasting chemicals. This is not a problem if the garlic is to be heated, as it is mellowed by cooking, but garlic to be eaten raw has a more refined flavor if it is carefully minced by hand.
