Garlic
Garlic is related to onion, shallots and leek. It has been used throughout history for both cooking and medicinal purposes. It is known for its strong flavor and smell which adds a unique flavor to recipes.
Historians are not certain as to where garlic originated. There is evidence that garlic may have first appeared in south-western Asia. However, wild garlic grows in fields in both Britain and North America.
Garlic can be found in recipes from around the world. It is usually paired in cooking recipes along with ginger, onion, and tomato. It is very popular in Lebanese food and many Lebanese salads contain a garlic sauce. In China, garlic is pickled for up to six weeks in a mixture of sugar, salt and spices. In Russia, pickled garlic is eaten as an appetizer. The leaves (or tops) of garlic are eaten as a vegetable in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Garlic dates back to biblical times and it is mentioned in the book of Numbers. Historical records say that garlic was eaten by slaves while building the pyramids. Ancient Greek and Roman sailors ate garlic, as did African peasantry.
Garlic is seen rarely in English history as a food source, however, it was used extensively as a medicine. Historical documents show that it was used to cure smallpox, dropsy’s, and tuberculosis. Today, garlic is praised for its healing qualities. It is believed that garlic can prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and improve immune system functions. It may also reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Garlic is used in traditional British herbalism as a cure for hoarseness and coughs. The garlic is crushed and then mixed into lard. The mixture is then rubbed onto the chest and back to loosen congestion. Cherokee Indians make garlic syrup to be used to fight coughs and colds.
Research studies have shown that prolong use of garlic will help regulate blood sugar and prevent complications from diabetes. In 1858, Louis Pasteur observed garlic’s antibacterial capabilities. He found that leaving garlic on a wound overnight would promote healing. Garlic was used as an antiseptic during World War I and World War II.
