Garlic

Historically used as much for medicinal care as for cooking, garlic is a relative of the onion that adds a pungent flavor to salads, meats, pizzas or anything else it is cooked with.

Fast Facts

1. Used in both cooking and medicine
2. Native to Central Asia
3. Rich in manganese
4. May promote cardiovascular health
5. Anti-bacterial and anti-cancerous qualities
6. The allicin in garlic may help control one's weight

Health Benefits

Garlic has been praised for its heart benefits. Regular consumption of garlic can help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which over time can lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Garlic also contains the same compounds as onions that have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Garlic in World Cuisine

Garlic is an essential ingredient is most Asian cuisines, used as the main complement to the salt and pepper flavors of many dishes. Garlic is essential to Chinese stir fry; the garlic cooks with oil, meat and vegetables directly in the wok.

Garlic is prominent in most Indian curries and is used frequently alongside ginger. Mediterranean and western European dishes use garlic in soups and marinades.

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