There is nothing more glorious than the sweet, buttery taste of fresh roasted garlic spread over a piece of Bruschetta. Garlic is a staple ingredient of countries ranging from Europe to the Orient. Its pungent flavor has been used around the world to accent a variety of cuisines for over 6,000 years.

Although it is not certain exactly when Allium Sativum or garlic was officially cultivated, today's commonly used versions are most likely descendants from species grown in the wilds of southwestern Asia. Garlic's family tree is very impressive. As a close kin to the onion, leek and shallot, it is a root vegetable that grows very easily in most climates.

GOOD OR EVIL

There is probably more folklore and superstition surrounding garlic than any other food. In ancient Egypt it was so prized that it was used as currency, and even found its way into the Pharaohs' tombs. A recently discovered Egyptian papyrus dating back to 1500 BC recommended the use of garlic to cure everything from fatigue to tumors. Ancient Greeks and Romans utilized the powers of garlic to ward off unwanted pests and asthma, as well as to attract strength and victory to their military.

The tradition of hanging a string of garlic across the entrance of your home to ward off evil spirits actually came from the Middle Age belief that garlic could prevent the plague. Transylvanians wore garlic not only to ward off the unwanted advances and nibbles of vampires, but also to keep mosquitoes at bay. Almost all cultures have used garlic's mystical properties to fend off either jealous nymphs or the Evil Eye.

Let us not forget the aphrodisiac powers of Garlic. Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Japanese all have ancient documentation exalting the sensual powers of Garlic. Whenever garlic is added to cooking, its incredibly rich flavor enhances whatever it touches. Eating good food with plentiful flavors is a highly sensual experience. It's no wonder that a good meal with a little wine always leads to more heightened experiences at the dinner table and beyond.

MEDICAL BENEFITS

Garlic is often said to be nature's wonder drug, and rightfully so. Packed with hundreds of vitamins and minerals working at equally potent levels, it contains a symbiotic cornucopia of nutrients. Despite its ancient healing pedigree, there has been no shortage of controversy regarding the efficacy of its use as a treatment.

Probably one of the most well known uses for garlic is as a blood purifier. Its strong

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