National Garlic Day

April 19th is National Garlic Day and promotes the many uses of Garlic. You probably know it’s a herb but did you know it’s also a vegetable. Garlic has ben used medicinally for thousands of years. I’m sure Marie Laveau used quite a bit in her lifetime warding off evil spirits. About the only negative thing you can say about it, is that it can negatively affect an otherwise romantic evening.

Some fun facts:

•Garlic is believed to ward off heart disease, cancer, colds, and flu. The consumption of garlic lowers blood cholesterol levels. and reduces the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

 •It was even once used to treat acne, warts, and toothaches.

 •The psychological term for fear of garlic is alliumphobia.

 •The origin of National Garlic Day is unknown and it is not recorded in congressional or presidential proclamations.

 •Garlic is said to fight off evil spirits and keep vampires away.

 •If your garlic has sprouted, it is still usable although it has lost some of its flavor and health benefits.

 •The smell of garlic can be removed by running your hands under cold water while rubbing a stainless steel object.

 •Garlic is a member of the onion family which also includes leeks and shallots.

 •Its pungent flavor is due to a chemical reaction that occurs when the garlic cells are broken. The flavor is most intense just after mincing.

 •The majority of garlic (90%) grown in the United States comes from California.

 •If your rose garden is being attacked by aphids, an excellent home remedy to get rid of them is to spritz the leaves and blooms with a mixture of crushed garlic and water.

 • When picking out garlic at the grocery store, choose firm, tight, heavy dry bulbs.

 •Garlic has been used to infuse vodka and as an ingredient to make cocktails.

 •Finally, to tie garlic into Wedding week here on the Sugar Network: at ancient Greek and Roman marriages the brides carried bouquets of garlic and other herbs instead of flowers.

Medically speaking…

• Phytochemicals in garlic are believed to provide protection against heart disease and cancer. Specifically, stomach and colorectal cancers.
• Garlic helps to fight off colds and flu.
• Garlic lowers blood cholesterol levels.
• Garlic reduces the buildup of plaque in arteries.
• Garlic is used as a treatment for acne and warts.
• Garlic can be used for toothaches

Alliumphobia is the fear of garlic. Don’t be afraid of garlic today, embrace the garlic in you. Eat lots of garlic and live long…with bad breath!