
Garlic
Garlic is a perennial that goes by the botanical name Allium sativum. The Chinese call garlic the "jewel among vegetables." It is said garlic has wonderful healing powers, the stronger the smell of the garlic the stronger the healing properties. The garlic bulb is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking. Garlic has flat solid green leaves that grow to 24 inches high and very small white to pink blossoms. The white bulb is divided into cloves and grows underground.
Growing Garlic
Garlic like a sunny location and rich, moist well-drained soil, however, it will tolerate partial shade and poorer soil. In areas with mild winters plant mother bulbs in October through December. If planted where winters are cold, plant in early spring. Break the bulbs up into cloves and plant the base down about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Garlic needs 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting Garlic
Harvest garlic about 3 weeks after the leaves turn yellow. If leaves do not yellow by midsummer knock the leaves over yourself and leave to yellow. Pull the plants out, cut off the roots and allow them to dry in an airy, dry place. Store garlic bulbs in a cool dry place.
History of Garlic
Egyptians and Romans alike ate garlic to keep them healthy and to provide them with strength. Clay models of garlic were placed in King Tut's tomb. Ancient Israelites referred to themselves as the garlic eaters. Garlic was highly regarded as a medicine in the Far East but it was not eaten as a food there.
Cooking with Garlic
Raw garlic has a very strong spicy flavor so use it sparingly. Cooking and roasting garlic makes it milder and sweeter.Try these recipes from showcasing everyones favorite culinary herb garlic.
Roasting Garlic
Roasting garlic creates a creamy, sweeter flavor. Here are four different methods for roasting garlic.
Medicinal Uses for Garlic
Garlic like a sunny location and rich, moist well-drained soil, however, it will tolerate partial shade and poorer soil. In areas with mild winters plant mother bulbs in October through December. If planted where winters are cold, plant in early spring. Break the bulbs up into cloves and plant the base down about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Garlic needs 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting Garlic
Harvest garlic about 3 weeks after the leaves turn yellow. If leaves do not yellow by midsummer knock the leaves over yourself and leave to yellow. Pull the plants out, cut off the roots and allow them to dry in an airy, dry place. Store garlic bulbs in a cool dry place.
History of Garlic
Egyptians and Romans alike ate garlic to keep them healthy and to provide them with strength. Clay models of garlic were placed in King Tut's tomb. Ancient Israelites referred to themselves as the garlic eaters. Garlic was highly regarded as a medicine in the Far East but it was not eaten as a food there.
Cooking with Garlic
Raw garlic has a very strong spicy flavor so use it sparingly. Cooking and roasting garlic makes it milder and sweeter.Try these recipes from showcasing everyones favorite culinary herb garlic.
- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/barley-and-split-pea-soup.html
- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/linda-bagels.html
- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/garlic-roasted-whole-chicken.html
- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/fish-with-garlic-rosemary-and-lemon.html
- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/marinated-teriyaki-pork-loin.html
- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/pasta-with-roasted-vegetables.html
- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/steamed-clams-in-wine-and-garlic.html
- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/barbecued-onions.html
Roasting Garlic
Roasting garlic creates a creamy, sweeter flavor. Here are four different methods for roasting garlic.
Medicinal Uses for Garlic
- Eat garlic for protection from the common cold and to reduce blood pressure.
- Garlic has antibiotic properties.