Cooking garlic alters its taste and texture, making it softer, milder, and creamier and giving it a more subtle flavor and aroma. However, it can also be enjoyed raw rather than cooked. Although raw garlic tends to have a stronger, more pungent flavor, it can be consumed safely and makes a great addition to many dishes. In fact, raw garlic is often added to dips, dressings, and sauces like aioli or pesto.
