“The Stinking Rose,” also known as garlic, is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and has been around approximately 5,000 years. Garlic donned this nickname due to its belonging to the Lily, or Allium, family and its pungent smell. Onions, leeks, and chives are all part of the Allium family as well. The most ideal months for planting garlic are September and October for a May and June harvest. Garlic must be exposed to a minimum of two months of low temperatures (32-50 degree F) to develop properly. Some of the most popular varieties of garlic planted here in Louisiana include Silverskin, Creole, and Elephant Tahiti. A good indication that your garlic is ready to be harvested is when the tops of the plants turn yellow. After harvesting, the garlic bulbs must be dried out for 5-7 days out of direct sunlight before using.

Garlic has been said to ward off sickness, plague, and vampires, and to bring good luck and good health. We may never know the truth behind the folklore but the health benefits of garlic are for certain! Garlic is a rich source of vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin B6. It is also a good source of calcium, selenium, and phosphorus. So what does this translate to in health benefits?

-Very strong anti-inflammatory effects across all body systems
-Decreasing the risk of all cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
-Decreasing your risk of developing bacterial or viral infections
-Helping to prevent the development of cancer
-Improving iron metabolism in the body, increasing circulation

In addition to all of these wonderful health benefits, garlic has been a staple of some of our most delicious culinary treats for thousands of years! For maximum flavor and health benefits, garlic should be purchased fresh or home grown. The best preparation method is to chop or crush the garlic before adding heat. This is how you can maintain the highest levels of nutrients from the garlic. Here are some ideas for garlic preparation:

-Puree fresh garlic, canned garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice to make a quick and easy hummus.
-Add garlic to sauces and soups.
-Mash together roasted garlic, potatoes, and olive oil for fresh mashed potatoes.
-Bake garlic in olive oil until soft to be spread on meats, crackers, etc.
-Check out this creamed spinach recipe!

Creamed Spinach

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: ½ cup

Ingredients:
-1 (10 ounces) package of frozen spinach, thawed
-1/2 cup evaporated skim milk
-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
-1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion

Directions:
1. In a blender or food processor, blend spinach and milk until smooth.
2. Add garlic and dried onion, mix well.
3. Pour into medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Enjoy!

Sources of Information:
Self Nutrition Data, Search for Garlic, Raw
The World’s Healthiest Foods, Garlic
LSU AgCenter Louisiana Home Vegetable Gardening, Garlic
LSU AgCenter Smart Choices Recipe Book
LSU AgCenter Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide