National Garlic Day

April 19th is National Garlic Day! 

This day is dedicated to the appreciation of garlic, a beloved, though stinky,  ingredient in many cuisines around the world. 

Garlic is not only delicious but also has quite a few health benefits. Let’s take a minute and explore the history of National Garlic Day, as well as ways to celebrate this day with garlic-inspired recipes and activities. 

The history of National Garlic Day

Who on earth knows where this day came from, but the stinking rose is one of my favorite additions to any savory dish, so I’ll take it!

But Garlic has been around since the earth blasted into being. There are so many interesting things to know about garlic so let’s take a look.

About the Origins of Garlic and its benefits, myths and uses

Garlic is a herbaceous plant, or vegetable, that is grown for its underground bulb, which is made up of multiple cloves that are wrapped up in a thin, papery skin. The cloves are the part of the plant that is most commonly used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. 

Garlic has a distinctive pungent flavor and aroma, hence the nickname, the “Stinking Rose”, (which by the way, is the name of a famous restaurant in San Franciso. We went there on our honeymoon and YES THEY USE A LOT OF GARLIC!) It’s used as a seasoning in a wide variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.

Where did Garlic Come From?

Garlic is believed to have originated in central Asia, and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was highly prized by ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, both for its culinary uses and for its medicinal properties. Garlic contains several bioactive compounds, such as allicin, which are thought to be responsible for its health benefits. These include reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and boosting the immune system. That’s coolio.

Garlic can be consumed raw or cooked, (though I dare you to eat it totally raw..haha) and is available in various forms, such as fresh, dried, powdered, and as a supplement. Fresh garlic bulbs can be found in most grocery stores and can be stored at room temperature for several weeks. Garlic supplements are also available in the form of capsules or tablets, which are typically used to provide a concentrated dose of garlic’s active compounds.

Garlic is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that is used in cuisines alllllll over the world. Whether used for its culinary or medicinal properties, it is an ingredient that has been valued for centuries and continues to be super popular today.

What other food is like Garlic?

Garlic has a unique flavor and aroma that is difficult to replicate, but there are some foods that share similar flavor profiles. Here are a few examples:

1. Onions: Onions are closely related to garlic and have a similar pungent and slightly sweet flavor. They are often used as a substitute for garlic in recipes.
2. Shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor than garlic, but still have a slight pungency. They are often used as a substitute for garlic in recipes where a more delicate flavor is desired.
3. Leeks: Leeks have a milder flavor than garlic and are sweeter and more delicate. They can be used as a substitute for garlic in recipes where a mild onion flavor is desired.
4. Chives: Chives have a mild onion-like flavor and are often used as a garnish for dishes. They can also be used as a substitute for garlic in recipes where a milder flavor is desired.

While these foods share some flavor characteristics with garlic, they are not anywhere near identical in flavor or aroma. Garlic is a very, very unique ingredient that adds its own distinctive flavor and aroma to dishes, and is enormously difficult, if not totally impossible to fully replicate with other ingredients.

How did people use Garlic a long time ago?

Like we mentioned earlier, garlic has been used for cooking and medicinal purposes for thousands and thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, used garlic for a lot of purposes, including:

1. Medicine: Garlic was believed to have medicinal properties and was used to treat a range of ailments, including infections, digestive disorders, cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure, fatigue and respiratory problems.
2. Food preservation: Garlic was used to help preserve food due to its antibacterial properties.
3. Spiritual and religious practices: Garlic was used in many spiritual and religious practices, such as warding off evil spirits and protecting against the evil eye.
4. Flavoring food: Garlic has a strong and distinct flavor that has been used for centuries to add flavor to dishes.
5. Insect repellent: Garlic was used as an insect repellent to protect crops and livestock from pests.

Throughout history, garlic has been a versatile and valuable plant that has been used for many purposes. Today, garlic is still used in much the same way, both for culinary and medicinal purposes, and it remains an important ingredient in many traditional cuisines around the world.

What are the health benefits of Garlic?

Garlic, often called nature’s wonder drug, has long been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. Modern research has also suggested that garlic may have several health benefits, including:

1. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease: Garlic may help to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and improve blood flow, all of which can contribute to a lower risk of heart disease.
2. Boosting the immune system: Garlic contains compounds that have been shown to enhance the activity of immune cells, potentially helping to fight off infections and diseases.
3. Reducing inflammation: Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is thought to contribute to the development of many chronic diseases.
4. Improving cognitive function: Some studies have suggested that garlic may help to improve cognitive function and memory, although more research is needed to confirm this effect.
5. Fighting off infections: Garlic has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which may help to fight off infections and illnesses. It’s reported to treat warts and even acne. 
6. Improving bone health: Some research has suggested that garlic may help to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

It’s worth mentioning here that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of garlic, and that garlic supplements should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. 

If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, it’s super important to talk to your doctor before taking garlic supplements or making significant changes to your diet. But garlic is a great way to add flavor and added health benefits without adding a ton of calories!

What vitamins and minerals are in Garlic?

Garlic is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including:

1. Vitamin C: Garlic contains vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
2. Vitamin B6: Garlic is a good source of vitamin B6, which is involved in several key metabolic processes, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters and red blood cells.
3. Manganese: Garlic contains manganese, which is important for bone health, wound healing, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
4. Selenium: Garlic contains selenium, which is a trace mineral that is important for thyroid health, immune function, and antioxidant defense.

In addition to these vitamins, minerals, garlic also contains sulfur compounds, which are responsible for its characteristic flavor and aroma. Some of these sulfur compounds have been shown to have potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

What about Amino Acids?

Garlic also contains several different amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Here are some of the amino acids found in garlic:

1. Cysteine: Garlic is a rich source of cysteine, an amino acid that is important for the synthesis of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.
2. Methionine: Garlic also contains methionine, an essential amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of proteins and the metabolism of fats.
3. Arginine: Garlic is a good source of arginine, an amino acid that is involved in the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
4. Tryptophan: Garlic contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is important for the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep.
5. Histidine: Garlic is a source of histidine, an essential amino acid that is involved in several metabolic processes, including the production of red and white blood cells.

While garlic is not a significant source of protein, it does contain small amounts of several amino acids, which may contribute to its potential health benefits.

Myths about Garlic

There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding garlic that have persisted over time. Many of which just are total fiction. I mean… where are all the vampire hiding. In plain sight? LOL

 Here are a few of the most common ones:

1. Garlic can cure the common cold: While garlic has been used traditionally to treat respiratory infections, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that it can cure the common cold.
2. Eating garlic can repel vampires, demons, werewolves: This myth likely originated in Eastern European folklore, and has been popularized in modern media. While garlic has no supernatural powers, and Dracula is a fictional character, LOL, it has been used traditionally as a protective herb against evil spirits. 
3. Garlic can be used as a natural mosquito repellent: While some studies have suggested that garlic may have mosquito-repellent properties, there is not enough evidence to support its effectiveness as a standalone mosquito repellent.
4. Garlic can cure cancer: While some studies have suggested that garlic may have anti-cancer properties, there is not enough evidence to support the claim that it can cure cancer.
5. Garlic can thin the blood: While garlic may have blood-thinning properties, it is not a substitute for medical treatment and should not be used to manage conditions that require blood-thinning medications.

It’s important to rely on scientific evidence and consult with a healthcare professional before using garlic or any other natural remedy as a treatment for health conditions. I mean, maybe Garlic can cure cancer, but should we really just rely on that alone? Hmmm….

Garlic in Greek Mythology

Garlic was was mentioned in a few Greek Myths…  Let’s take a look!

1. In the Odyssey, the ancient Greek epic poem by Homer, Circe, a powerful sorceress, turns Odysseus’s men into pigs. With the help of Hermes, Odysseus is able to resist Circe’s magic and rescue his men. Before he leaves, Circe tells him to travel to the underworld to speak with the seer Tiresias. She advises him to take with him a black ram and a ewe, and to stop along the way to perform certain rituals, including digging a trench and offering a libation of sweet wine mixed with water and honey. She also tells him to take a bag of garlic to protect himself from the underworld spirits.
2. In another story, the goddess Hecate, who was associated with witchcraft and magic, was said to have worn a garland of garlic around her neck to ward off evil spirits.
3. According to one Greek myth, the god Zeus created garlic to protect humans from evil. In this story, Zeus asked the god Hermes to create a plant that would give athletes strength and protect them from harm. Hermes created garlic and presented it to Zeus, who then gave it to humans.

These are just a few examples of how garlic was mentioned in Greek mythology. While it was not a central figure in these stories, it was recognized as having protective and magical properties.

Why Celebrate National Garlic Day?

National Garlic Day is a cool day to celebrate because it recognizes the many benefits of garlic. Garlic is not only delicious but also has numerous health benefits. It is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Garlic is also known to boost the immune system and help fight off infections. Additionally, garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds, flu, and other ailments.

Ways to celebrate National Garlic Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Garlic Day, whether you are a garlic lover or just want to try out new recipes. Here are some ideas:

• Cook with garlic
  • Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, from pasta and pizza to stir-fries and soups. Try making a garlic-infused oil, roasting garlic cloves, or adding minced garlic to your favorite recipes. You can also try making garlic bread or garlic mashed potatoes for a delicious side dish.
• Visit a garlic festival
  • Many cities and towns host garlic festivals around National Garlic Day. These festivals often feature garlic-themed foods, cooking demonstrations, and live music. Check with your local tourism board to see if there are any garlic festivals in your area.
• Plant garlic
  • If you have a green thumb, consider planting garlic in your garden. Garlic is easy to grow and can be planted in the fall for a summer harvest. You can also try growing garlic in a pot on your balcony or patio.
• Try garlic supplements
  • Garlic supplements are a popular way to get the health benefits of garlic without the strong taste and odor. Garlic supplements come in many forms, including capsules, tablets, and extracts.
• Share garlic-inspired recipes
  • Share your favorite garlic-inspired recipes with friends and family on social media. You can also host a garlic-themed dinner party and invite your loved ones to try out new recipes together.

If you decide to throw a Garlic Party, just be sure to have a bucket filled to the brim with after dinner mints, haha.

Speaking of favorite dishes, here are some ideas you can make that use a LOT of garlic.

Garlic is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, veggies and salad dressings! It’s spicy flavor  adds depth of flavor and aroma to anything you want to cook.

Here are some popular dishes that use a lot of garlic:

1. Garlic bread: A classic dish that involves buttering a sliced baguette and topping it with minced garlic, herbs, and grated cheese, then toasting it in the oven until crispy.
2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: A simple and delicious pasta dish that involves sautéing minced garlic in olive oil, adding red pepper flakes, and tossing it with spaghetti and parsley.
3. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A hearty side dish that involves roasting whole garlic bulbs, then mashing the soft cloves into boiled potatoes with butter and cream.
4. Garlic Butter Shrimp: A quick and easy seafood dish that involves sautéing shrimp in garlic butter, then adding lemon juice and herbs for a burst of flavor.
5. Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic: A classic French dish, that we Americans call garlic chicken, that involves cooking a whole chicken with 40 cloves of garlic, white wine, and chicken broth until tender and flavorful.
6. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A simple and healthy side dish that involves roasting a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, with minced garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper.

These are just a few examples of dishes that use a lot of garlic, but the possibilities are endless. Garlic can be used in soups, stews, marinades, sauces, and more, adding a rich and savory flavor to any dish. Who can ever have too much garlic?

If you really love garlic, you can visit on of the famous garlic Festivals for NATIONAL Garlic Day!

Garlic festivals are popular events around the world that celebrate the culinary and cultural significance of garlic. Here are some of the most famous garlic festivals:

1. Gilroy Garlic Festival: The GilroyGarlic Festival is one of the largest and most famous garlic festivals in the world. It is held annually in Gilroy, California, in the United States, and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. The festival features live music, food vendors, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of garlic-themed events and contests.
2. Festival de l’Ail de Lautrec: The Festival de l’Ail de Lautrec is a garlic festival held annually in Lautrec, a small town in southwestern France. The festival celebrates the local variety of garlic, known as Lautrec pink garlic, which is known for its distinctive flavor and aroma. The festival features live music, food stalls, and a market where visitors can buy garlic and other local products.
3. Perth Garlic Festival: The Perth Garlic Festival is a garlic festival held annually in Perth, Ontario, in Canada. The festival features live music, food vendors, cooking demonstrations, and a garlic-themed marketplace where visitors can buy garlic and other local products.
4. Isle of Wight Garlic Festival: The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival is a garlic festival held annually on the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England. The festival features live music, food vendors, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of garlic-themed events and contests.

These are just a few examples of the many garlic festivals held around the world. They are a great way to celebrate National Garlic Day, the many culinary and cultural traditions associated with garlic, and to sample some of the delicious garlic dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries.

National Garlic Day is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the versatility and health benefits of garlic. 

There are plenty of ways to enjoy this little veggie!

Whether you cook with garlic, attend a garlic festival, or plant garlic in your garden, there are many ways to participate in this food holiday. Garlic is not only a flavorful ingredient but also a natural remedy for many ailments. 

So, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the humble yet mighty garlic and all it has to offer.

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