Everyone eats garlic sometimes. Although this is often in moderation because garlic can cause bad breath. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent or at least reduce this from happening. Of course, this is not the only thing that can be said about garlic, because garlic has been proven to be healthy. Moreover, many things have been said about garlic for thousands of years. What all?

Garlic – Allium Sativum

Garlic is a small bulbous plant that belongs to the garlic family, just like onions, leeks and chives. Garlic has been used for many thousands of years for many purposes. Of course as food, but especially in earlier times also as a medicine and even as a protective herb that was used to ward off all evil that could happen to one. Is the latter also correct? That is still doubtful, but people at that time firmly believed in it. A few examples.

Earlier

In Roman times, garlic was used as a muscle strengthening agent by gladiators and the builders of the pyramids also ate a lot of garlic to gain or maintain strength. Sailors always took garlic with them on trips to avoid shipwreck. A clove of garlic was always placed in the baby’s cradle so that evil did not stand a chance. During the time of the witch hunt, garlic was hung on the door to ward off vampires and to keep witches at bay and even the devil had no chance to strike if there was garlic in and around the house. During the time of the plague, garlic was hung in the sick room because it was thought that the garlic would take over the disease and the patient would have a better chance of survival. At that time, doctors also used garlic to disinfect wounds. And the latter is something that has at least now been researched and proven because garlic has a disinfectant effect. Throughout the centuries there have always been stories about garlic. Even now there is still a lot to say about garlic, but more contemporary. Because in this day and age everything must first be proven. People are not so gullible anymore.

Now

A lot of research has now been done on garlic and it has been shown that in addition to being a seasoning, garlic is indeed a very healthy and medicinal bulb. What is being said about garlic these days? Garlic contains Allicin. This is an antibiotic that is only induced when the garlic is cut or crushed. Garlic also has a disinfectant effect, is bactericidal, antiviral, blood pressure lowering, antifungal, wound healing, slightly lowers cholesterol, helps with digestive complaints, stimulates blood circulation and reduces blood clotting. So not the first.

Eating garlic

But garlic is also very tasty in many different dishes. On pizza, in soup, in salads or sauces. It’s all equally delicious. A disadvantage is the mouth odor that arises when one has eaten garlic. Well, there are a few things you can do about that:You can chew on a sprig of parsley after eating garlic. This seems to help against garlic breath. Or, you can persuade the people around you to all eat some garlic because then you won’t smell it all together anymore. It is even simpler to cut the clove open lengthwise and remove the green stump. Then you will also suffer much less from bad breath because this is the culprit.

Is garlic always fresh?

No. Most garlic comes from China and is usually 1 year old and packed in a net. Fresh garlic is usually available loose and has a much milder taste.

How do you process garlic?

A garlic bulb consists of 15 cloves. The outside consists of a thin paper-like membrane that you have to peel off. It is best to first remove the head and bottom of the garlic clove and then remove the outer membrane. If necessary, cut the clove in half and remove the green stem. You can then choose between: cutting, pressing or crushing.

• Cutting is self-explanatory: use a knife to cut the clove into small pieces.
• Pressing: using a garlic press.
• Crushing: you do this by using a chef’s knife and holding it with the side on the garlic clove and then pressing the side of the knife flat on the bottom surface with your hand.

Tip

Always use garlic as late as possible in the preparation. Never heat garlic too hot or for too long and never fry it together with onions. The garlic then turns brown, loses its aroma and tastes bitter.

How do you store garlic?

Garlic is best stored in a well-ventilated basket or jar. The humidity should not be too high and a temperature of 14 degrees Celsius is ideal. When the bulbs start to look shriveled or sprouting, it is better to throw them away because then they are no longer good. Never store garlic in the refrigerator.

Look after! excess is harmful

Even though garlic is delicious, be careful not to eat too much garlic. Firstly, the sharp smell not only comes from your mouth but also through your body pores and that can never be pleasant for your fellow man. And secondly, it is not healthy for your stomach either. At most 2 to 3 cloves per day is recommended.People who use blood thinners should be careful with excessive use of garlic because garlic also has a blood thinning effect!

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