Garlic's renowned healing properties have made it one of the world's oldest cultivated plants. Did you know that garlic has been cultivated for over 5,000 years? It was revered by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Israelites and Chinese. Modern science confirms this historical reverence, as research has revealed numerous health benefits associated with garlic. While it may not serve as a vampire repellent or a talisman against evil, there's no doubt that garlic transforms any dish into a captivating, bold, fragrant and health-promoting culinary experience. You can find fresh garlic at your local market all year round. Garlic is arranged in a head, commonly called a "bulb", measuring around 2 inches in height and diameter. This bulb consists of several small individual cloves, each wrapped in a paper-like skin. Garlic's flavor is distinctive, offering a pungent quality with subtle notes of sweetness.

Nutritional highlights of garlic

When incorporating garlic into your culinary preparations, be sure to finely chop or crush the cloves just before you start cooking. This action triggers the process of converting the powerful phytonutrient "alliin" into "allicin", a compound associated with many of garlic's health benefits. Once you've chopped the garlic and it's ready for cooking, wait a few minutes before adding it to your dish. This practice promotes the production of allicin in garlic. Garlic is a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamin B6, vitamin C and copper, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining a robust immune system. What's more, garlic's ability to lower blood pressure and help heal athlete's foot makes it a valuable ingredient. Like onions, shallots, chives and leeks, garlic belongs to the alliaceae family. Often colloquially referred to as the "stinking rose", garlic has historically been used to treat a variety of ailments, from cancer and heart disease to athlete's foot and the common cold.

Choosing and storing garlic

To select quality garlic, opt for fleshy, intact bulbs. By lightly pressing the bulb between your fingers, check that it remains firm and is neither moist nor soft. Avoid shrivelled bulbs that show signs of mould or sprouting. It's important to note that the size of the head of garlic is not an absolute indicator of its quality. When your recipe calls for a large quantity of garlic, bear in mind that it's more convenient to peel and chop a few large cloves than many small ones. To keep garlic fresh, store it in a cool, dark place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Use a non-hermetic or lightly covered container. Whole garlic bulbs can be stored for two to three weeks. Be sure to check the condition of the bulbs regularly, and remove any cloves that show signs of dryness or mildew.

Tips for preparing garlic

If you're in an adventurous mood, why not try marinating pressed garlic in olive oil? This pungent, flavorful oil can be used to enhance your vinaigrettes and marinades. Another option is to prepare a puree by mixing a clove of fresh garlic, a tin of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), a tablespoon or two of tahini, about two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Simply puree to desired consistency for a nutritious, tasty hummus that's quick and easy to prepare. If you want to add garlic to your vegetables, you can sauté steamed spinach with garlic, extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. This delicious dish makes an excellent accompaniment to all kinds of meats. For garlic lovers, you can also add it to soups and sauces, or use it as a seasoning. roasted garlic, cooked potatoes and olive oil to create a delicious garlic mashed potato. The possibilities are truly endless.

Why choose organic garlic?

The price of organic garlic is the same or slightly more expensive than traditional garlic. In most cases, organic garlic farming uses less water and in 100% of cases is free of chemical pesticides.

Garlic recipes