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