by Jenny Bug

Created on: January 24, 2009   Last Updated: May 30, 2011

History of Garlic
Garlic lovers around the world have lots in common. They love eating and cooking with this magical seasoning and appreciate the mystical lore that surrounds garlic, both historical and medicinal. Garlic has a tremendous following and for good reason. What other food promises to lower blood pressure, cure athlete's foot and reduce "bad" cholesterol, clear your sinuses and above all enhance every food it rubs against. Not to mention keeping vampires away.

Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants. It's a member of the lily family along with onions, chives, shallots and leek. The scientific term for garlic is allium sativum. Garlic was written about in the first written language of Sanskut. It was a staple for the ancient Sumerians. The greek historian Herodotus wrote that the Egyptian workers who built the pyramids refused to work without their daily ration of garlic. According to historians garlic was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Garlic was grown in the gardens of the King of Babylon and praised for its health benefits. Greek gladiators and Roman soldiers gilded themselves in garlic before battles hoping for strength and courage.

Originating in Siberia its culture spread throughout the world with the help of Marco Polo, who wrote of its uses and benefits in his journals. The Crusaders introduced it to Europe upon their return from the battles in the holy land.

Because of it's potent aroma and flavor, garlic, in ancient times, was thought to have powers that worked against evil. Still today in some cultures, garlic is hung around doorways in wreaths to guard against sinister spirits. In some cultures dreaming of garlic is a sign of good fortune.

Garlic has been called a "cure all" throughout history. This small bulb of wondrous flavor has been used to heal everything from simple infections to high blood pressure. Ancient greeks and Romans prescribed garlic for hundreds of specific ailments. In the sixteenth century, Parisians who ate garlic with fresh butter during the month of May were promised good health year round. It was used by the British to control infections during WWI and the Russians to control flu epidemics.

With or without scientific proof, the belief that garlic is a "cure all" persists and, in fact, seems to be increasing. Whether medical science reaches any definite conclusions about the powers of garlic is of little consequence to the true garlic lovers. The results of using garlic in your recipes is nothing short of magic.

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