Magic of Spice | #2 Garlic | Uses & Benefits |cure from your kitchen

GARLIC- A bulb for cure

ABOUT

Garlic is an underground spice which is very well known above the ground. The scientific name of garlic is Allium sativum. It was originated in central and southeast Asia. It was also found in traditional Egyptian culinary. Presently garlic is produced in many countries but only few have made it to the list. China is the highest producer of garlic in the world. Indian comes in the second place and then followed by South Korea, Egypt, Russia and United States. Garlic has got the shape of a white bulb as it from a bulbous plant, Allium sativum. Inside the bulb of garlic there are many cloves placed in concentric manner and hold together by the stalk. The cloves are covered with many layer of fibrous, thin and light white skin. The cloves are the only part of garlic which is consumed after the removal of the protective layers.

USES

The pungent and spicy flavour of garlic is use to flavour many Indian dishes. Ginger garlic paste is a must found ingredient in most of the Indian gravies. Garlic is infused in hot oil and butter and is applied on bread to have mouth watering delights like garlic bread, garlic toast, bruschetta, etc. Garlic after crossing the stage of scallion is pulled out from the ground and used as green garlic. Green garlic is an immature form of garlic which is full of flavours and aroma but nil in spiciness. It is often used by Southeast Asian in stir fried vegetables, soups, salads, etc. Every Indian household has a big glass jars of lehsun ka achar (pickled garlic) infused with lot of spices and oil. Other parts of the world too have their own recipes for pickled garlic. Lehsun ki chutney- a paste made out of garlic and different spices is served as a condiment in India. Dried garlic powder is also used in many Italian dishes. Garlic has got varieties of uses throughout the worlds in different culinary ways. Garlic is also used as a medicine and its benefits are below.

BENEFITS

Garlic is loaded with minerals, nutrients and vitamins. Minerals like Magnesium, Selenium, Calcium and Phosphorous arranged according to the percentage of content are found in garlic. Nutrients like Protein, Carbohydrates, Dietary fiber and calories increases it nutritional value. Vitamins like B6, C, Thiamine and Riboflavin are consumed with a single clove of garlic. Garlic also provides protection from its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The anti-viral property prevents flu and common cold. Warts are killed with the help of garlic oil. It gives relief from infections. Blood pressure is under control with the intake of garlic. It’s a catalyst in the process of digestion. It has the potential to cure and prevent cancer. It helps in hair growth and removes acne. It’s also found in managing weight. Asthma patients can use it as a home remedy. A gem in the kitchen to tackle health related issues and prevent them from happening.