Fun Facts

• Clay sculptures of garlic bulbs and paintings of garlic dating about 3200 B.C. have been discovered in Egyptian tombs
• A papyrus dating from 1,500 B.C. recommends garlic as a cure for over 22 common ailments
• Tutankhamen was sent into the afterlife with garlic at his side.
• Greek Olympic athletes counted on garlic to stimulate performance.
• In the Middle Ages, garlic was hung in braided strands across the entrances of houses to prevent evil spirits from entering
• In seventeenth century England, garlic was considered unfit for ladies and anyone who wished to court them
• In 1858, Louis Pasteur documented that garlic kills bacteria
• During World War II, when penicillin and sulfa drugs were scarce, the British and Russian armies used diluted garlic solutions as an antiseptic
• In many cultures, garlic is also considered a powerful aphrodisiac
• If your garlic has sprouted, it is still usable, though 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 flavor is most intense just after mincing
• The majority of garlic (90%) grown in the United States comes from California