Garlic is a pretty magnificent vegetable. There are few, if any, foods more beloved and present in more kitchens than this bulb.
Garlic is one of the most popular foods on the planet and has been used for centuries by cultures the world over. Cloves of garlic have been found in ancient Greek temples and Egyptian pyramids, including the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Back then, garlic was used not only to enhance the flavor and aroma of meals, but it was also used to increase strength, enhance physical performance, preserve food, and support digestion.
Today, a staggering 250 million (a quarter billion) pounds of garlic are consumed every year in the United States alone. Unfortunately, much of our garlic is coming in from distant lands rather than local growers. China produces 80 percent of the world’s garlic, followed by India, South Korea, Egypt, and Russia.
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