Garlic, also known as the “Stinking Rose”is one of the earliest plants to be documented for the treatment of numerous diseases and the maintenance of health in humans. Garlic comes from the old English word garleac,meaning “spear leek.” Dating back 6,000 years, it is native to Central Asia,and has been a staple in the Mediterranean region for many years due to the fact that it grows wild in the Italian countryside. Folklore says garlic can repel vampires, can protect against “The Evil Eye“, and ward off jealous nymphs who were said to terrorize pregnant and engaged woman. It is has also been noted that Koreans historically have given the traditional six-clove black garlic to women to bless them with supernatural powers and immortality.
Amazingly, garlic was overlooked by the gourmet elite in the United States until the first quarter of the 20thCentury, when the United States finally embraced garlic, not only as a seasoning but as a major ingredient in recipes in the 1940’s. In the early1900’s, garlic infused dishes were most common in working class neighborhoods due to the high percentage of the immigrant classes. Over four million Italian immigrants migrated to the United States in the late 1890’s to the early 1900’s to escape the extreme poverty of some of the more southern regions of Italy. In fact, many Italian style eateries got their start in the homes of large Italian families who prepared extra food to sell in order to make ends meet. Thus,bringing a wave of American enthusiasm for garlic.
Garlic was sometime referred to as Bronxvanilla, halitosis or Indian perfume in the 1920’s. In some cultures garlic was so highly sought after it was used for money to make purchases. Some ancient civilizations like the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians used garlic to boost strength and prevent diseases. The Egyptians gave garlic to their slave labor force to boost strength and increase productivity in the building of their cities and pyramids. Egyptians worshiped garlic in such a way that well-preserved garlic bulbs were found in the tomb of the well-known king Tut.Roman and Greek soldiers ate garlic to help them be more courageous. Furthermore, in ancient Greece, garlic was used to protect the skin against poisons. In addition, during the first Olympic Games, athletes would eat garlic before they competed to help enhance performance. The historical references are seemingly endless.
Another interesting fact about garlic is,due to the strong smell, it has been known to help repel mosquitoes, fleas, and other insects. To do this you must create a garlic barrier by spraying concentrated garlic juices around the garden, farm, ranch or yard. Garlic is believed to prevent or at least aid in many health problems. It has been recommended for a wide array of illnesses, such as, gastrointestinal tract dis orders, treatment of animal bites, for some joint diseases and seizures. It has also been prescribed to aid in respiration, worm infestations, to lift depression and also help improve male potency. Some would advise the use of garlic when working outdoors to prevent heat strokes.
In the 1850’s Louis Pasteur proved Garlichad strong antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral and anti-parasitic properties.Also the authoritative medical text of the era, the Codex Ebers, prescribed garlic for many diagnoses such as abnormal growths, circulatory ailments and general malaise. So as one can, see garlic may be used in many beneficial, creative and delicious ways. To read more on the history and use of garlic please visit the internet site: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/garlic.aspx
For those who would like to grow their own garlic, it is planted as a bulb or clove usually after first frost in middle October to late November depending on the climate. This is why it is important to mulch the garlic bed about 4 cm deep with dry leaves or straw. Garlic will become dormant and awaken in early spring. This is when the green stems will pop out of the ground. Later,in the summer a stalk with a flower called “scrapes” will form. These “scrapes”can be eaten if they are gathered before they harden. By cutting them back, it allows the root to concentrate on the forming of the bulb. To gets seeds, however, leave these “scrapes” on the garlic and let them flower and seed. Seeds can be gathered in late August or so when the plant is completely dried up. But remember, to plant garlic from seed will take a couple of growing seasons to get a bulb to form.
Garlic is harvested in late July or early August, when the bottom of the stalk is brown and brittle. Begin by loosening the dirt and pulling out the bulb as gently as possible. Then,remove the largest clumps of dirt also, as gently as possible, as to not bruise the bulbs. Next, tie the stalks of the bulbs together and hang them in an area that has good air movement, and keep dry for at least a couple of weeks. Finally, place the bulbs without the roots and stalks in paper bags and store in cool, dry place.
Researched by: Carrie Nicholas
