"Garlic -- an ageless ingredient with no
boundaries -- It’s history in cooking and in medicinal remedies spans
throughout the world from Egypt, Greece and Rome, to Europe and the Orient."
Approximately 90 percent of the garlic grown in the United States is grown in
California.
"Egyptian slaves built the pyramids on a diet of garlic, bread and
water."
GARDEN TIP: The next time aphids are attacking your roses try spraying them with a mixture
of crushed garlic and water...watch them drop.
GARLIC IN SPACE -- When the French joined a Soviet space mission in late 1986,
their menus caused an international stir. The French would not go into space
without garlic and apparently the ventilation system couldn't dispel the aromas
quickly enough for Soviet spacemen--which led to some interesting diplomatic
talks.
What
Is Garlic
Garlic (Allium
Sativum) is a member of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), which
also includes leeks, onions, and shallots. It is a perennial with an
underground bulb (head) composed of pungent bulblets commonly called
cloves.
The pungent flavor of garlic is caused by a chemical reaction which
occurs when the garlic cells are broken. The flavor is most intense
shortly after cutting or chopping. This chemical reaction cannot occur
after garlic is cooked, which is why smoked garlic is sweet and nutty
rather than pungent.
