Cookbook author Martha Stewart shares clever tip to remove garlic smell from your fingers; we find out if it works

Indian Express

2 days ago

Garlic adds incredible flavour to food, yes, but the lingering smell it leaves behind on your hands can be highly unappealing. Popular American cookbook author Martha Stewart seems to have an easy hack up her sleeve: rub your hands on stainless steel under warm water to neutralise the odor!
'Hold a stainless steel knife under running warm water and rub your fingers along the blunt side. The oxide layer on the steel reacts with sulfur compounds in garlic, which makes it cling to the surface of the steel knife instead of your fingers,' she shared in a video.
But this this super simple hack work?
According to Executive Sous Chef Kalil from DoubleTree by Hilton Whitefield Bengaluru, it does! And just in case you are terrified of sharp objects such as blades and knives, he also shared a few more kitchen-tested remedies:
Create a paste using salt and baking soda with a little water. Scrub your hands and rinse with soapy water — the baking soda deodorizes while salt exfoliates. Simply moisten your hands a bit, and the salt particles will cling to your palms and fingers. This way, when you rub them and then rinse them with water, the smell automatically disappears.
Coffee grounds also work well to mask and absorb the odor. For a quick fix, you can also try a minty mouthwash or a scented hand sanitizer. 'Just like salt, you can rub some coffee beans or powdered coffee on your hands to get rid of the smell. This can mask the smell of any pungent-smelling food item. Later, you can wash your hands with soap and water,' he said,
Just like toothpaste works for your teeth, it can also remove the smell of certain foods from your hands. Simply apply a small amount to your palm, rub it in gently, and then rinse it off with water. Make sure you use the basic white one, and not anything that comes in the form of a gel, because that will not be very helpful.
And at times, lemons can also come in handy. Citrus fruits have a pleasant smell which is equally strong. So, all you have to do is cut a lemon in half and rub it on your hands, or better yet, make juice and apply it evenly on your fingers and palms. It will absorb any and all kinds of odour, leaving behind a nice smell.
Don't let the smell turn you off completely, though! Garlic comes with a bunch of health benefits.
Dr Anjali Tiwari, dietician, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kanpur. 'Garlic is rich in bioactive compounds such as allicin, sulfur, and antioxidants, which contribute to its numerous health benefits. Regular consumption has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, reduce triglycerides, and improve overall heart health by preventing plaque buildup in arteries,' said Dr Tiwari.
Garlic also possesses natural antimicrobial and antiviral properties, effectively supporting the immune system and combating infections. Due to its vasodilatory effects, studies suggest that garlic consumption may help regulate blood pressure. Its antioxidants play a role in neutralising free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative conditions, she explained.
'It is highly beneficial as it helps manage cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and reduce the risk of liver diseases. Its sulfur compounds play a key role in detoxifying the body. Rich in allicin, it offers significant nutritional value, helps reduce inflammation, and lowers cholesterol levels. Additionally, it acts as a natural antibiotic and may aid in cancer prevention,' said Dr Tiwari.