“Without garlic I simply would not care to live.” – Louis Diat
On April 19th foodies and nutritionists across the country will be raising a glass in honor of the benefits of garlic as they celebrate National Garlic Day. Known to some as the “stinking rose”, garlic has a delicious flavor and packs a powerful punch as a natural medicinal ingredient. Throughout history, garlic has been believed to ward off many common day ailments from the common cold to pesky vampires. Today garlic has proven itself to have amazing health benefits.
In addition to eating fresh garlic in prepared dishes, taking it in capsule form can be a great way to make sure you are receiving all of the potential health benefits.
Read on for fun facts on this tasty herb!
Did you know that garlic is actually considered both a vegetable and an herb? Garlic was once used to treat acne, warts, and toothaches. Once sprouted, garlic is still usable but it has lost some of its flavor & health benefits. When picking out garlic at the grocery store, choose firm, tight, heavy, dry bulbs. The smell of garlic can be removed by running your hands under cold water while rubbing a stainless steel object. Its stinky smell is due to a chemical reaction that occurs when the garlic cells are broken. The flavor is most intense just after mincing. If aphids are attacking your rose garden, spritz the leaves and blooms with a mixture of crushed garlic and water. Ancient Greek and Roma brides-to-be, carried bouquets of garlic and other herbs instead of flowers.
