We can’t ignore the green sprout situation. If your clove has a tiny green shoot poking out, is it safe? Yes, it’s safe, but it’s like eating a slightly grumpy version of garlic. The flavor gets harsh and a little bitter.
You can still cook with it, but remove the green sprout first. Use the tip of your knife to pop it out—it’s like de-veining a shrimp, but way easier and less messy.
And hey, if you see a sprout, don’t panic. It’s just nature saying, “I want to be a plant, but you want to eat me.” We’ve all been there.