Garlic, a member of the allium family which also includes onions and leeks, has been cultivated for millennia for its unique characteristics. This aromatic plant is recognizable by its bulbs formed of multiple cloves, valued both as a condiment and as a natural remedy. Originally from Central Asia, its popularity has spread worldwide, giving rise to a variety of species such as white garlic, pink garlic, purple garlic, black garlic, and smoked garlic, each with its own distinctive qualities.
This guide aims to explore the culinary and medicinal virtues of garlic, an essential component of international cuisine. You will discover how it can enhance your recipes, contribute to the prevention and treatment of various conditions, and the multiple ways to prepare it. Recipes and remedies based on garlic, easy to make at home, are also on the menu. Don’t miss out on all this valuable information to make the most of garlic.
An essential ingredient of world cuisine
The history of garlic in cuisine
Garlic, one of the oldest condiments, played a crucial role in civilizations such as the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese, and Indian. Not only revered for its medicinal and magical virtues, garlic also served as a currency, an offering to the gods, and symbolized courage and protection. Imported to Europe during the Middle Ages through the Crusades and Arab invasions, it fully integrated into Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in France, Italy, and Spain. Nowadays, it is a staple of world cuisines, with various preparations such as pesto, aioli, tzatziki, hummus, and garlic soup.
Garlic varieties and their specificities
With over 600 varieties to its credit, including hard-stemmed garlic and soft-stemmed garlic as main categories, garlic offers a wealth of shapes, colors, and flavors. Among the most appreciated varieties are:
- White garlic, common and pungent, ideal raw or cooked.
- Pink garlic, sweet and sugary, highly prized in the Southwest of France and benefiting from a Protected Designation of Origin (AOP).
- Purple garlic, aromatic and slightly bitter, essential in Spanish cuisine.
- Black garlic, sweet and sugary, obtained from the fermentation of white garlic, recognized as a superfood in Japan.
- Smoked garlic, with beech wood, with its brown color and specific aroma, ideal with meats and cheeses.
Tips for choosing and storing garlic
Choosing quality garlic means opting for a closed and heavy bulb, without spots or mold. Always favor fresh, seasonal, and local garlic, avoiding imported or treated products. To store it, place it in a dry, cool place away from light, without ever refrigerating it. Garlic can be kept for about 6 months, although its flavor may diminish over time. Be cautious of the risk of botulism when storing in oil, vinegar, salt, or honey; it is crucial to follow strict hygiene and sterilization measures.
Techniques for preparing and cooking garlic
Preparing garlic starts with separating and peeling the cloves. You can peel them by hand, crush them with a knife, or immerse them in boiling water to facilitate the operation. When cooking, be careful not to burn it to retain its qualities and avoid bitterness. Garlic can be roasted in the oven for a sweet and caramelized taste, and pairs perfectly with a variety of foods. It enriches your dishes with flavors and benefits. Don’t hesitate to incorporate it into your recipes!
The medicinal benefits of garlic cloves
Active compounds in garlic and their effects on health
Garlic, rich in active compounds such as sulfur compounds, offers multiple medicinal properties. Allicin, for example, gives garlic its characteristic odor and contributes to its beneficial effects on health. These compounds have a wide range of actions: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic. They play a crucial role in protection against oxidative stress, related to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular pathologies. Furthermore, they regulate immunity, stimulate white blood cell production, strengthen natural defenses, and are effective in preventing and combating infections. They also play an important role in regulating glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, thus contributing to the management of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
Traditional use of garlic in natural medicine
Since antiquity, garlic has been recognized for its medicinal and magical virtues. Used by various civilizations to treat a multitude of ailments, it was also a symbol of courage, protection, fertility, and longevity. In the Middle Ages, it was a crucial remedy against epidemics and contagious diseases. Worn or consumed, it had the function of purifying the body and strengthening it. Nowadays, garlic remains a pillar of natural medicine, recommended for preventing or alleviating various health issues.
Recent scientific research on garlic and health
Scientific research has widely confirmed the benefits of garlic for health and elucidated its mechanisms of action. Recent studies have established that garlic can reduce the risk of various cancers due to its properties of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, inducing their apoptosis, and preventing their invasion. Moreover, garlic has shown an ability to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, improve blood fluidity, and reduce the risk of clot formation, thus playing a cardioprotective role. It has also been demonstrated that garlic strengthens the immune system, increasing the number and activity of white blood cells and stimulating the production of interferon, making it effective against respiratory infections.
How to incorporate garlic into your diet to benefit from its advantages
To fully grasp the benefits of garlic, consume one to two fresh cloves per day, or 0.5 to 1 g of dried garlic. Raw garlic is recommended as cooking can destroy its active compounds. If cooking is involved, let it be gentle and brief. Incorporating garlic into various dishes, such as salads, sauces, soups, or even as a herbal tea and in other forms, is beneficial. Garlic-based dietary supplements are available for those seeking an alternative to the strong taste or odor of garlic, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before use to avoid drug interactions or adverse effects.
Recipes and remedies based on garlic
Classic recipes featuring garlic
Garlic enhances many traditional dishes thanks to its unique flavor and health benefits. Here are some garlic-based specialties to try at home:
- Garlic soup: A comforting soup made with broth, bread, garlic, olive oil, and eggs. Perfect in all seasons, it is particularly recommended to fight colds or flu.
- Pesto: This Italian sauce combines basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Ideal with pasta, vegetables, fish, or meat, it brings a nice dose of antioxidants and vitamins.
- Aioli: Originating from Provence, this sauce combines garlic, olive oil, and egg yolk. Perfectly accompanying steamed vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, fish, or meat, it aids digestion and strengthens the immune system.
- Garlic chicken: A simple yet exquisite dish, prepared with chicken, garlic, white wine, thyme, and bay leaf. The chicken is first browned then baked in the oven with whole garlic cloves, and served with rice, potatoes, or vegetables. It is a healthy choice for the heart and liver. Innovative ideas for using garlic in cooking Garlic is not limited to being a mere seasoning. It can become the central element of original and surprising dishes:
- Garlic confit: A preparation made from garlic cooked slowly in fat (duck, goose, or olive) at low temperature. It becomes tender, sweet, and aromatic, and can be kept in a jar. Use it as a spread or to enhance your dishes.
- Black garlic: A Japanese specialty obtained by fermenting white garlic. It is sweet, with hints of licorice or balsamic vinegar, and known as a superfood for its antioxidant and detoxifying properties.
- Garlic cake: An astonishing dessert combining garlic and chocolate. This soft cake integrates dark chocolate and cooked garlic cloves, to be served with custard or vanilla ice cream for a unique taste experience.
- Garlic ice cream: A bold ice cream combining garlic and cream. Prepared with cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and blanched garlic, it is enjoyed with red fruits, honey, or caramel for a refreshing dessert. Home remedies based on garlic Garlic has long been recognized as an effective natural remedy for various ailments:
- Garlic syrup: An expectorant and antiseptic syrup combining garlic, honey, and lemon. It relieves coughs, sore throats, or bronchitis when taken by the spoonful or diluted in an herbal tea.
- Garlic poultice: Anti-inflammatory and healing, prepared with crushed garlic, olive oil, and flour. It treats wounds, burns, insect bites, or warts.
- Garlic herbal tea: Invigorating and purifying, this herbal tea is made with garlic, ginger, and honey. It is beneficial for the immune system, infections, digestion, and detoxification.
- Mouthwash with garlic: An antibacterial and antifungal combination of garlic, salt, and water. Used as a mouthwash, it is effective against canker sores, gingivitis, cavities, or oral candidiasis. Advice and precautions for the medicinal use of garlic Although garlic is a powerful natural remedy, it is important to use it with caution:
- Consult a healthcare professional before using garlic medicinally, especially if you have specific health conditions, take medication, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Follow the recommended dosages, not consuming more than two to three cloves per day. Excessive consumption can cause various discomforts.
- Choose fresh, seasonal, and organic garlic to benefit from optimal quality and effectiveness.
- Remove the garlic germ to avoid any digestive discomfort. Conclusion You have now explored the remarkable culinary and therapeutic virtues of garlic cloves, an essential element in cuisines worldwide. This article has guided you through how garlic can enhance your recipes, contribute to the prevention and treatment of various conditions, and has shown you different preparation methods. Additionally, you now have garlic-based recipes and remedies, easy to prepare at home. It’s time to incorporate garlic into your diet to benefit from its health and wellness advantages. However, remember that garlic, despite its multiple benefits, remains a powerful natural remedy that should be consumed judiciously.
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before adopting garlic as a treatment, especially in cases of chronic illnesses, regular medication intake, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Choose fresh, seasonal, and organically grown garlic to ensure its quality and freshness. Ultimately, garlic can be a valuable partner for your well-being, provided it is used intelligently and according to your individual needs.
Pascal Petibon, born in 1980 in Lyon, is a renowned journalist and author, passionate about information and communication. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Paris, he quickly joined various editorial teams, where he became known for his sharp analysis and clear writing style.
