At Frucom, we supply a focused and high quality range of IQF garlic products to food manufacturers, processors and commercial kitchens. Our frozen garlic is designed for performance, flavour and convenience in demanding production environments.
This FAQ guide answers the most common questions we receive about IQF garlic. Whether you are considering diced, pureed or whole peeled formats, this page will help you understand how IQF garlic can support your food business.
What does IQF mean?
IQF stands for Individually Quick Frozen. This process rapidly freezes each piece or portion of garlic separately. The result is a free-flowing product that can be handled, weighed and portioned directly from the freezer.
Unlike block freezing, IQF prevents clumping and preserves the original texture and flavour of garlic. It is ideal for food manufacturers looking to maintain consistency, speed and hygiene in production.
What IQF garlic products does Frucom offer?
Frucom supplies the following frozen garlic formats:
- Frozen 1-6 mm Diced Garlic – Fine dice suitable for sauces, ready meals and baked products
- Frozen 4 mm Diced Garlic – Standard dice used in savoury dishes and marinades
- Frozen Garlic Purée Tablets – Smooth garlic purée in portion-controlled frozen discs
- Frozen Garlic Purée Tablets Spain – Same format with garlic sourced from Spain
- Frozen Roasted Garlic Purée Tablets – Rich, mellow flavour for gourmet recipes
- Frozen Whole Peeled Garlic China – Intact peeled cloves for bulk cooking
- Frozen Whole Peeled Garlic Spain – Spanish-grown variety with robust flavour
All formats are frozen at peak freshness and packed in food-safe packaging suitable for industrial use.
What are the main benefits of IQF garlic?
IQF garlic offers multiple advantages:
- No preparation – Ready to use straight from frozen
- Consistent cut sizes – Supports even cooking and flavour distribution
- Extended shelf life – Store at -18°C for up to 24 months
- Portion control – Purée tablets and diced garlic are easy to measure
- Reduced waste – No peeling, trimming or spoilage
- Food safety – Less handling reduces contamination risk
These benefits are especially valuable in busy kitchens and automated production lines.
How does IQF garlic compare to fresh garlic?
| Feature | IQF Garlic | Fresh Garlic |
| Preparation | None | Peeling and chopping required |
| Shelf life | Up to 24 months | A few weeks at most |
| Portioning | Precise and measured | Manual and variable |
| Waste | Minimal | Peelings and spoilage |
| Storage | -18°C freezer | Chilled or ambient |
| Consistency | Uniform across batches | Varies by bulb and season |
IQF garlic offers better control and efficiency for food manufacturers.
Are Frucom’s IQF garlic products natural?
Yes. All of our IQF garlic products are made from fresh garlic with no artificial preservatives or additives. The freezing process alone preserves flavour, colour and food safety.
What is the difference between diced garlic and purée tablets?
- Diced garlic has a visible texture and bite, ideal for stews, curries and savoury baked dishes
- Garlic purée tablets offer smooth, blended garlic that melts easily into sauces, soups and dressings
Both formats are convenient, but your choice depends on texture preferences and production method.
What are roasted garlic purée tablets?
These tablets contain slow-roasted garlic purée frozen into pre-portioned discs. The roasting process gives the garlic a caramelised, mellow flavour ideal for use in premium sauces, dips, flavoured mayonnaise and dressings.
How are whole peeled garlic cloves used?
Frozen whole cloves are perfect for:
- Roasting in bulk
- Adding to slow-cooked sauces
- Infusing oils or stocks
- Use in prepared meat dishes
- Blending in food processors
They offer the visual and structural qualities of fresh garlic with the convenience of frozen handling.
Are your garlic products gluten-free and suitable for vegans?
Yes. All Frucom IQF garlic formats are:
- 100% plant-based
- Free from gluten
- Suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets
They are processed in certified facilities with strict allergen controls.
How should IQF garlic be stored?
All IQF garlic products must be stored at -18°C or below. Do not refreeze after defrosting. Products should be handled in accordance with standard frozen ingredient procedures to maintain quality and food safety.
How long is the shelf life?
IQF garlic from Frucom has a typical shelf life of 24 months, depending on format and packaging. Best-before dates are clearly marked on each carton or bag.
Can IQF garlic be used in both hot and cold dishes?
Yes. Diced and pureed garlic can be added to hot cooking processes directly from frozen. In cold applications, defrosted garlic purée can be used in dips, dressings and sauces. Roasted purée is especially useful in chilled products for its mellow flavour.
What packaging formats are available?
Frucom typically supplies IQF garlic in 10kg or 15kg cartons or polybags. These are suitable for cold store stacking and industrial handling. We can also support export packaging and large pallet deliveries.
Are samples and technical data sheets available?
Yes. We can supply:
- Product samples
- Technical specifications
- Allergen declarations
- Origin and traceability documentation
- Microbiological testing certificates
- Storage and handling guidance
We support food manufacturers through both development and full-scale production.
What is the origin of your garlic?
Frucom supplies garlic sourced from Spain and China, depending on the product format. Country of origin is clearly labelled, and technical documentation is available for all formats.
How is the garlic processed before freezing?
Garlic is:
- Washed and peeled
- Diced, pureed or trimmed as required
- Passed through metal detection and foreign object checks
- Frozen using IQF technology
- Packed, sealed and labelled
All processing follows BRC and international food safety standards.
Are there options for large-volume supply contracts?
Yes. Frucom works with food manufacturers of all sizes and can offer flexible volume supply agreements. This includes regular delivery schedules, forward stock holding and fixed pricing for long-term planning.
What are common uses of IQF garlic in manufacturing?
IQF garlic is widely used in:
- Ready meals
- Sauces and marinades
- Vegan dishes
- Soups and dips
- Chilled dressings
- Bakery fillings
- Meat rubs and glazes
- Curry bases
Its versatility makes it suitable across chilled, frozen and ambient product categories.
Can I blend different garlic products for a customised result?
Yes. Many manufacturers use a blend of formats, such as:
- Diced garlic + purée for layered flavour
- Roasted purée + raw purée for depth and aroma
- Whole garlic + purée in sauces with visible texture
We can recommend combinations based on your desired flavour profile and production process.
Why choose Frucom for IQF garlic?
Frucom offers:
- A focused range of high quality frozen garlic formats
- Reliable frozen delivery across the UK and Europe
- Consistent product quality with full technical support
- Ethical sourcing and food safety compliance
- Competitive pricing for volume customers
We help manufacturers reduce prep time, eliminate waste and deliver flavour consistently at scale.
Conclusion
IQF garlic is a versatile and practical solution for food manufacturers seeking flavour, speed and reliability. Whether you require diced, puréed or whole peeled garlic, Frucom offers frozen formats that support operational efficiency and recipe consistency.
If you have further questions or would like to request samples, contact Frucom today. Our team is ready to help you source the right IQF garlic product for your business.