Garlic - Easy to grow, highly nutritious and with many health benefits
GARLIC (Allium sativum)
Garlic originates from India and Central Asia and is one of the oldest and most valued plants with an interesting history. The Egyptians used it medicinally. Both the slaves constructing the pyramid of Cheops and the Roman soldiers were given garlic cloves daily to sustain their strength. In the 19th and early parts of the 20th century, garlic became a medically prescribed drug and antiseptic. During the First World War, spaghnum moss was soaked in garlic juice as an antiseptic wound dressing.
How to grow:
Garlic is now grown worldwide. It is grown by dividing the bulb and planting it directly into the ground (2cm deep, 15 cm apart) either in autumn or early spring and harvested late summer. Traditionally garlic cloves are planted on the shortest day of the year and harvested on the longest. We usually plant cloves in October or November. They benefit from a cold spell and require a period of one to two month with temperatures between 0 and 10 C. There are many varieties, but we are mostly growing Vallelado and Messidor, softneck varieties.
Softneck versus hardneck varieties
We are often asked about the difference between softneck (picture on the left) and hardneck garlic (picture on the right). In short softneck varieties grow in milder climates, are bigger, have leaves rather than a central stalk and store better and longer (up to a year and more). They are commonly sold in shops and are relatively mild in flavour. The best varieties to grow are Vallelado, Germidor, Messidrome and Thermidrome, an early variety.
Hardneck varieties have a central stalk, that turns stiff while growing, bulbs are generally smaller and don’t store that long. They tolerate much colder weather, but that doesn’t really make a difference in Ireland.
In general hardneck varieties are rarely found in shops or at markets and because of their more complex flavours are worth growing for that reason alone. You can also eat the delicious scapes, the immature flowers formed on the central stalk . A variety we have grown is Morado and worth trying is Primor an early maturing variety.
And that is only the beginning. For the more adventurous grower you can check out The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight. https://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/
Onion and ramson (wild garlic) are related species and both important medicinal herbs with similar properties.
Garlic has many health benefits
Garlic has been used throughout ancient history for its health benefits and medicinal properties. The health benefits are a result of the sulfur compounds formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed, or chewed. Garlic boosts the immune system and is rich in antioxidants. Most of the benefits of raw garlic come from a compound called allicin, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Allicin also gives garlic its characteristic odor. Garlic’s strong aromatic compounds are excreted via lungs and the skin; eating fresh parsley may eliminate odour on the breath.
Nutritional value
Garlic is highly nutritious and low in calories. One clove of raw garlic contains manganese, Vitamin C, selenium, and small amounts of fibre, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, and potassium. This comes with 4.5 calories, 0.2 grams of protein and 1 gram of carbs.
Medicinal Uses:
Antibiotic - Allicin and other constituents of the volatile oil are highly antiseptic and antibiotic, explaining why garlic is effective even in severe infections such as dysentry.
Bronchial infections - Excellent remedy for all types of chest infections. Good for colds, flu, asthma, bronchitis, and ear infections. Helps to reduce catarrh.
Digestive tract - Digestive infections respond well to garlic. Can also rid the body of intestinal parasites.
Circulatory remedy - Prevents circulatory problems and strokes by keeping the blood thin. Lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Other uses -
For infections sometimes alongside with antibiotics.
Reduces blood sugar levels (late-onset diabetes)
As a fresh rub or ointment on acne, warts or verrucas
Rheumatic complaints - internally and externally (ointment)
Anti-tumour - At the Fourth International Conference on the Prevention of Human Cancer in Arizona (1992) it was agreed that aged Garlic extract can inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells. Garlic has a reputation in the healing of malignant conditions.
Cautions:
While culinary quantities are generally safe, do not give therapeutic doses during pregnancy and lactation. Only small amounts should be given to children
Earache: Instill into the ear a few drops of onion or garlic juice. Caution: Only apply if you are sure there is no damage to the eardrum!