Garlic

Food Garlic White Succulent Agriculture Garlic

Nutrition Information

Garlic has a high mineral content, containing a rich source of manganese, vitamin B6, along with a good amount of vitamin C, copper, selenium, phosphorous, and calcium [1]. Aside from their nutrient content, garlic houses a slew of sulfur containing compounds that have been associated with anti-inflammatory properties as well as beneficial effects against diseases including breast, stomach, colorectal cancer [2].

Fun Facts

Garlic has long been known as a medicinal plant across many cultures and traditions. Some evidence suggests that it was used for increased stamina during early Olympics in Greece [3]. Ancient Indian and Chinese medicine suggests garlic’s role in aiding digestion, respiration, and treating parisitic infestation [2]. Furthermore, garlic has been recommended for treating a range of other ailments, such as insect bites, gynecological diseases, and constipation [3].

Garlic must be “cured”- a process that dries out garlic for long term storage. Here at the farm, we hang our harvested garlic on a net, and let them air out for a few weeks before distributing them in our farmers market, CSA share, or donation bags!

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A U of M intern hides behind hanging strings of garlic.

Storage Tips

  • Choose garlic heads that are firm to the touch.
  • Store garlic in a cool, dry place in an open container, away from other foods.
  • Do not refrigerate or freeze unpeeled garlic.
  • Peeled garlic cloves can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Recipes

Garlic Scape Pesto

Refreshing Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette

Roasted Garlic Herb Dip

Garlicky Greens

Healthy Homemade Ranch

References

[1] USDA Research Service. (2018). National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release. Basic Report:  11215, Garlic, raw. Retrieved from: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/11215

[2] Omar, S. H., & Al-Wabel, N. A. (2010). Organosulfur compounds and possible mechanism of garlic in cancer. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal : SPJ18(1), 51–58. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2009.12.007

[3] Bayan, L., Koulivand, P. H., & Gorji, A. (2014). Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine4(1), 1–14.

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