Organic Food and Health Articles

    Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants. Recipes using garlic have been found in the cuneiform script of ancient Babylon dating back at least 5000 years. Many writers have referred to it; Virgil praised it but Shakespeare reviled it for the smell it created on the breath. It was often regarded as the food of labourers - the builders of the pyramid were issued with a daily ration of garlic. It has always been recognized as a valuable strengthening medicine and as a protection against disease. Research has shown that diallyl sulphide, a component of garlic oil inactivates potent carcinogens. It also suppresses the growth of tumours.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic with strong germ killing power. It helps eliminate worms and yeasts including candida albicans. It stimulates the activity of the digestive organs, it is excellent for intestinal infections, helps lower blood pressure, stimulates circulation and is good for respiratory problems. It has also been taken as an effective treatment for impotence. The characteristic pungent smell is due to a group of sulphur containing components notably allicin which also accounts for its medicinal activity.

Garlic contains Vitamins B, C and a little vitamin A, calcium sulphur, zinc, copper, potassium and phosphoric acid. Garlic has an infinite number of uses in the kitchen from a gentle rub in the salad bowl to the delicious smooth pungent taste of a whole roasted bulb.

Garlic has a beneficial effect on the garden too.

* Garlic secretions encourage the growth of other plants especially roses. The only exceptions are peas and beans which seem to be prohibited by close proximity to garlic.

* Garlic grown around carrots will help mask their smell and keep away carrot fly.

* Dried garlic sprinkled around seedlings helps protect them from birds.

* Garlic spray is effective against black fly, carrot fly, moths, caterpillars and slugs.

If you want to grow your own garlic, choose well drained, preferably light sandy soil and plant the cloves 2" deep, 6" apart, at the end of March.

Penrhos

Home Consultations Courses Accolades Recipes Vouchers Articles Contact Links

PenrhosTrust.org

Copyright © 2003-2010 Greencuisine Ltd. All Rights Reserved.