Garlic: A History of Flavor & Folklore
It’s that time of year again - the time of year when your garden gets a new planting of garlic. And I love garlic! Which you probably already know. I’ve written a number of blog posts about garlic including Garlic in the House; How to Choose Which Garlic to Plant; How’s Your Garlic Growing?; Growing Garlic: How Do You Know When It’s Time to Harvest? And Then What? But it just doesn’t seem right to enter the cool season of fall without writing something about garlic.
So in this blog post, we’re going to take a different look at garlic. I’m going to share a little about the origins and history of garlic, its cultural significance and some fascinating fun facts about this flavorful little bulb.
Origin & History
Garlic got its start over 5,000 years ago in Central Asia. The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia and China all used garlic for its culinary and medicinal properties. The Egyptians held garlic in high regard and considered garlic a symbol of strength and endurance. They even put garlic into the burial chambers of the Egyptian pharaohs.
Garlic then moved on to Ancient Greece and Rome. Not only was it a cherished culinary ingredient in many Greek and Roman dishes, but it was believed to bestow strength and courage. It’s been said that Roman soldiers ate garlic before heading into battle, and Greek athletes included garlic in their diets to enhance their athletic abilities.
During the Middle Ages, garlic made its way to Europe - but not everyone warmly welcomed this root vegetable. While some people believed in its medicinal properties, others were put off by its strong odor and treated garlic with disdain. But even so, garlic made its mark in European folklore where it was viewed as a protective charm against vampires and evil spirits.
In Asia, however, garlic continued to play a prominent role in diverse culinary traditions. The aromatic qualities of garlic have always been found in Chinese, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, and it’s now incorporated into a wide variety of dishes in order to enhance flavor and aroma.
Fun Fact #1
Did you know that garlic is actually a root vegetable? Even though it’s usually referred to as an herb and a spice, garlic has vegetable characteristics - including a bulb, tall stem and long leaves.
Fun Fact #2
Did you know that using garlic to ward off vampires dates back to European folklore? Bunches of garlic bulbs were hung in doorways and windows in order to protect households and prevent vampires from entering and harming your loved ones.
Fun Fact #3
Did you know that before the discovery of modern antibiotics, garlic was used to prevent infection in wounds? During World War I, the antimicrobial properties of garlic were recognized and it was often used in the absence of advanced medical treatments.
Fun Fact #4
Did you know that some cultures consider garlic a symbol of good luck? Garlic is often carried in pockets (as well as being hung in homes) to repel negative energy and bring prosperity.
Fun Fact #5
Did you know that garlic festivals are held all around the world? These festivals celebrate the many diverse and creative ways to enjoy garlic and showcase some very unique culinary dishes - like garlic-flavored ice cream!
Who knew that garlic has such a rich and somewhat checkered past? It’s traveled from ancient civilizations, along trade routes, and through wars just to make its way into our gardens and find a home in our modern kitchens. So the next time you chop, mince or roast those cloves of garlic, remember that you’re not just cooking with garlic . . . you’re embracing a culinary and cultural legacy that’s existed for thousands of years.
Happy Garlicking!