Secret ingredient of top chefs: what is garum and how do you use it?
Imagine: one drop and your dish tastes like you’ve spent hours preparing it. That’s the magic of garum. This ancient fermented sauce originated in Roman cuisine and is now making a spectacular comeback among top chefs and home cooks alike. But what exactly is garum, and why would you want it in your kitchen? Here you can read about what garum is, how it’s made, and how you can use it yourself. We’ll also tell you about the four special garums we sell, made by the renowned brand 621 Ferments. Prepare for a taste revolution. Because once you’ve cooked with garum, you’ll never want to be without it.
What is garum and where does it come from?
Garum is a fermented sauce that has been around for thousands of years. The ancient Romans used it as a universal seasoning. They fermented fish with salt and left it to mature in the sun for months. The result was an intense, umami-rich liquid that they poured over everything. From pasta to meat, from vegetables to sauces. Sound familiar? That’s right, because modern fish sauce from Asia is actually a direct descendant of this Roman garum.
But the modern version goes far beyond fish. Today, fermentation masters such as 621 Ferments make garums based on all kinds of ingredients. Think beef, mushroom, black garlic, or smoked chicken. The fermentation process breaks down proteins into glutamates, which are precisely the substances that give that deep, savory taste that makes your tongue tingle. Garum is basically liquid umami. And umami is the fifth basic taste, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. It makes dishes rounder, deeper, and more complex without you being able to pinpoint exactly why it tastes so good. That’s the secret of garum.
How do you use garum in the kitchen?
Garum is incredibly versatile. You can use it in dozens of ways, and it fits into almost any dish. The best thing is that garum also serves as an excellent alternative to salt. Instead of adding salt, use a few drops of garum. You’ll not only add saltiness, but also depth and complexity. That’s a huge difference.
Here are a few ways you can use garum:
• Add a few drops to sauces, soups, or stews for extra depth.
• Use it as a marinade for meat or vegetables
• Mix it into dressings and vinaigrettes for an umami boost
• Replace (some of) the salt in recipes with garum
• Drizzle it over a finished dish as a finishing touch
Top chefs around the world swear by garum, and now it’s available to you too. Try it in a simple pasta sauce and you’ll immediately understand why everyone is so enthusiastic about it.
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The four garums from 621 Ferments: which one suits you?
At Heatsupply, we sell four different garums from 621 Ferments. Each has its own character and area of application. So you’ll always find the perfect match for your cooking style.
- Beef garum is the most classic variety. Deep, savory, and full-bodied. Perfect for stews, red sauces, and anything with meat. An absolute must for meat lovers.
- Mushroom garum is the ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans. This variety has an earthy, rich flavor that works fantastically in risotto, pasta, and vegetable dishes. But meat eaters love it too.
- Black garlic garum is for the real adventurer. Black garlic has a sweet, balsamic-like flavor, which you can taste in this garum. Delicious in marinades, dressings, and Asian-inspired dishes.
- Smoked chicken garum adds a subtle smoky flavor to your dishes. Think BBQ sauces, grilled vegetables, or a smoky vinaigrette. Incredibly tasty and super unique.
All four garums from 621 Ferments are traditionally made with the best ingredients. The fermentation process takes weeks to months, and you can taste it. This is not a mass-produced product. This is craftsmanship in a bottle.
Discover garum at Heatsupply and take your cooking to the next level.
Are you ready to seriously upgrade your cooking game? Then garum is exactly what you need. In this article, we explain what garum is, how it originated in Roman cuisine, and how you can use it as a seasoning and as an alternative to salt. The four garums from 621 Ferments—based on beef, mushroom, black garlic, and smoked chicken—offer the perfect option for every cook and every dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to experiment with fermentation, garum is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to use, incredibly versatile, and the results are always impressive. Order your favorite garum from 621 Ferments today at Heatsupply and discover for yourself why it’s the most exciting ingredient of the moment. Your taste buds will thank you!
