Garlic

[Franky]

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a perennial plant in the family Alliaceae and genus Allium, closely related to the onion, shallot, and leek. It does not grow in the wild, and is thought to have arisen in cultivation, probably descended from the species Allium longicuspis, which grows wild in south-western Asia.Garlic has been used throughout all of recorded history for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

The portion of the plant most often consumed is an underground storage structure called a head. A head of garlic is composed of a dozen or more discrete cloves, each of which is a botanical bulb, an underground structure comprised of thickened leaf bases. Each garlic clove may often be composed of just one leaf base, unlike onions, which almost always have multiple layers. The above-ground portions of the garlic plant are also sometimes consumed, particularly while immature and tender.

Garlic has a powerful pungent or "hot" flavor when raw, which mellows considerably when it is cooked. Raw or cooked, garlic is noted for its strong characteristic odor.

Medicinal use

Some scientific research indicates that garlic can have some health benefits, such as preventing and fighting common cold, diminishment of platelet aggregation; a meta-analysis[verification needed] showing significant (8% compared to placebo) lowering of Low density lipoprotein carrying cholesterol (LDL-C); treatment of hyperlipidaemia; the significant inhibition of atherosclerosis via the use of aged garlic extract Kyolic;and the protective nature of chronic garlic intake on elastic properties of aorta in the elderly. Regular and prolonged use of therapeutic amounts of aged garlic extracts lower blood homocysteine levels, and prevent some complications of diabetes mellitus. It may have some cancer-fighting properties because it is high in diallyl sulphide (DADs), believed to be an anticarcinogen.

In modern naturopathy, garlic is used as a treatment for intestinal worms, both orally and as an anal suppository.

Garlic cloves continue to be used by aficionados as a remedy for infections (especially chest problems), digestive disorders, and fungal infections such as thrush. They are claimed to be an effective long-term remedy for cardiovascular problems reducing excessive blood cholesterol levels, atherosclerosis, the risk of thrombosis, and hypertension but these claims are disputed, as there has been no clinical trial that has demonstrated any such benefits. Whole cloves used as vaginal suppositories are sometimes used as a home remedy for Candidiasis (yeast infections). Garlic is also alleged to help regulate blood sugar levels, and so can be helpful in late-onset diabetes, though people taking insulin should not consume medicinal amounts of garlic without consulting a physician. In such applications, garlic must be fresh and uncooked, or the allicin will be lost.

Dietary supplements in pill form, as are commonly available, claim to possess the medicinal benefits of garlic, without (in the words of one manufacturer) "the unsocial qualities associated with fresh garlic cloves".

Superstition and mythology

Garlic has been seen as a force for both good and evil. A Christian myth says that after Satan left the Garden of Eden, garlic arose in his left footprint, and onion in the right. Even in Europe, though, many cultures have turned to garlic as a protective force or white magic, perhaps because of its reputation as a powerful preventative medicine. Central European folk beliefs considered garlic a powerful ward against devils, werewolves, and vampires. To ward off vampires, garlic could be worn on one's person, hung in windows, or rubbed on chimneys and keyholes.

Classification

Classification of culinary garlic can be complex, with numerous cultivars being grown. The broadest division is into "hardneck" and "softneck" types; very broadly speaking, hardnecks have more intense flavours (which are more closely related to their wild ancestor) but lesser storage capabilities, while conversely softnecks are excellent "keepers" but often milder (those are broad-brush simplifications with numerous exceptions and half-exceptions). Within those two types, there are usually felt to be three subdivisions of hardnecks and two of softnecks.

The "wild garlic", "crow garlic" and "field garlic" of Britain are the species Allium ursinum, A. vineale and A. oleraceum, respectively. In North America, "wild garlic" or "crow garlic" is Allium vineale, and along with "wild onion" (also known as "meadow garlic" or "wild garlic") Allium canadensis, are common weeds in fields. Elephant garlic is a variant of the leek species, A. ampeloprasum, and is larger and milder than true

Storing Garlic

Fresh garlic heads will keep for a long time as long as they are stored in a cool dark place. Do not keep them in the fridge or they will start to sprout and become bitter. They can be frozen without ill-effect, or simply stored in a dark cupboard away from moisture. Garlic braids should be hung to prevent crushing any of the cloves.

If you want to store the cloves individually and ready for use, the garlic must be either dried or processed. One good way to freeze prepared garlic is to crush or mince it in a food processor and mix it with a little water, then freeze it in icecube trays so you can get cubes out as needed. Otherwise it can be frozen in olive oil, or frozen whole.

Never EVER store garlic in olive oil at room temperature or leave garlic in oil to sit on the counter. Because garlic is grown in the ground it is frequently contaminated with botulism spores, which are almost impossible to remove. These are harmless in their normal state, but because they are an anaerobic bacteria they will grow if the conditions are 'right' - ie.submersed in oil and stored at room temperature. The spores can not grow in the cold, so freeze or refrigerate it, or better yet, store the garlic in wine or vinegar rather than oil.

Caution

* Cases of botulism have been caused by consuming garlic-in-oil preparations. It is important to add acid when creating these mixtures and to keep them refrigerated to retard bacterial growth.
* While culinary quantities are generally safe, during pregnancy and lactation garlic can cause digestive problems such as heartburn, and babies may dislike the taste in breast milk.
* The medicinal effects of taking garlic long-term are largely unknown, and no FDA approved study has been performed.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Franky]

bubba Galic is some great stuff, natures remedy's and I also forgot to mention. Garlic prevents vampires too!

[Tootsie]

And promotes celibacy
I eat 3 0r 4 raw cloves a day Friski

[jano]

Welcome, friski! That is a good one! Cheap birthcontrol! lol!!!!!

[jovie]

This is why I love coming to this board. We can joke and be serious at the same time. Unlike other forums where people are always serious or hostile.

[Tootsie]

I cook a variety of vegetables every night, always an onion, carrots , broccoli, cabbage, green beans.......whatever i have and at the last minute stir them on low and add the cut up fresh garlic. then I add earth balance (imitation butter) or olive oil and chow down :P
My mouth usually burns some but I welcome it. I usually follow up with yogurt and its a nice cool down from the burning garlic. And your right...morgs have never invaded my mouth or throat!!
Thanks for the welcome, Im happy to feel free to joke around here. If I ever get too naughty feel free to spank me Frisk

[Franky]

Originally Posted by friski

I cook a variety of vegetables every night, always an onion, carrots , broccoli, cabbage, green beans.......whatever i have and at the last minute stir them on low and add the cut up fresh garlic. then I add earth balance (imitation butter) or olive oil and chow down :P
My mouth usually burns some but I welcome it. I usually follow up with yogurt and its a nice cool down from the burning garlic. And your right...morgs have never invaded my mouth or throat!!
Thanks for the welcome, Im happy to feel free to joke around here. If I ever get too naughty feel free to spank me Frisk

Sounds like you eat healthy. Thats a good thing for over all health regardless.

[Tootsie]

I think my diet is key in getting better. Low carbs, no sugar, lots of veges, coconut oil, yogurt ,green tea....... execpt for my downfall at christmas. I ate 2 boxes of chocolate all by myself
im back on track now! Basically anti candida diet for several years has slowly been helping. Frisk

[Tootsie]

One thing I forfot to add is apple cider vinegar, I drink a couple shots of it mixed with apple tea a day and its actually tastes good! :PHelps alkalize the system and almost has gotton rid of my joint pain in my big toes. Braggs makes a good one but I usually use trader joes brand Frisk

[carla]

Originally Posted by jano

Welcome, friski! That is a good one! Cheap birthcontrol! lol!!!!!

What a pity I was not partial to a bit of garlic eh girls