Black garlic is among the latest hot products from Los Angeles-based Melissa’s Produce. With fresh garlic as the sole ingredient, the additive- and preservative-free gourmet ingredient undergoes an all-natural cooking process after a month of aging in a special fermentation process under high heat, where it develops its darker color, softer texture and sweeter taste. Featuring a chewy texture (chefs liken it to “licorice wine gum” and say it reminds them of “roasted garlic with undertones of malt and molasses”), the item can improve the flavor of almost any dish that would benefit from a mildly sweet, tangy garlic flavor. Melissa’s black garlic comes in a 2-ounce package including recipe ideas on the label. For more information, visit www.melissas.com.