All About Garlic Lecture Notes
Historical and Culinary Use of Garlic
- Ancient Use: Utilized as food and medicine since 25th century BCE, notably by Egyptians during pyramid constructions.
- Classical References: Virgil's Ecologues mentions garlic in Greek and Roman diets.
- Introduction to England: Cultivated by the mid-16th century.
- Modern Use and Attitudes: Advice from Dr. D.G. Hessayon in 1997 emphasized cautious use.
Botanical Characteristics
- Family: Member of the Alliaceae family, related to leeks, onions, shallots, and chives.
- Structure: Has tubular leaves, a flower stalk (scape), and bulbils.
- Edible Parts: All parts are edible, with the bulb being most prized.
Garlic as a Plant
- Bulb: Stores food, consists of fleshy cloves wrapped in papery husks.
- Propagation: Planting a clove produces a new head; can form clumps over time.
Varieties and Growth
- Softneck Garlic: Ideal for mild climates, stores well.
- Hardneck Garlic: Suitable for severe winters.
- Storage: Requires warm, dry conditions to prevent sprouting.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
- Culinary Uses: Versatile in flavoring meats, vegetables, and breads.
- Medicinal Properties: Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal; possible benefits in cholesterol and blood sugar regulation, though evidence varies.
Cultural Significance
- Folklore: Used in European folklore as a ward against supernatural creatures.
- Nutritional Content: High in protein, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus.
Festivals and Cultural Events
- Garlic Festivals: Popular globally; South Cariboo Garlic Festival in B.C. since 1999.
Growing Garlic
Difficulty and Suitability
- Ease: Easy to grow but not ideal in containers.
- Preferred Planting: Best in ground or raised beds.
Planting and Timing
- Time: Plant from September to November, early March possible.
- Method: Cloves 10-15cm apart, 2-5cm deep, unskinned.
Soil and Care
- Soil: Requires rich, well-drained soil.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in spring; water and weed as necessary.
Harvest and Storage
- Harvest: Pull when 75% dried or with 6 green leaves remaining.
- Storage: Store in dry, room temperature to avoid sprouting.
Pests and Disease
- White Rot: Causes bulb decay, persistent in soil. Avoid by not leaving decaying alliums.
Companion Planting
- Benefits: Repels aphids, root maggots, carrot rust fly.
- Good Companions: Beets, Brassicas, celery, potatoes.
- Avoid: Peas, beans.
Note: For further details, visit specific sections or links provided in the source. Order Seed Garlic Now for September Planting!
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