Herbs
Garlic
allium sativum
Taste & scent
Flavor & aroma
Garlic has a complex flavor profile, from sharp and spicy when raw to a rich sweet and savory nutty flavor when sauteed or roasted.
In the garden
Growing it
Garlic was originally found in Asia, but today it is grown and cultivated all across the world. Growing garlic is easy, and the many different types available make it possible for backyard gardeners around the world to grow their own.
Keep it useful
Storage & preserving
There are so many different ways you can store garlic! Many gardeners store their harvested garlic braided and hanging in a cool, dark location (but not in the refrigerator!). Garlic could also be dried and powdered to store with the rest of your kitchen herbs and spices. Since fresh is best, keeping your store bought cloves in a paper bag in a cool, dark place will help them stay fresh longest.
Herbal tradition
Traditional use notes
Garlic has long been used for its healing powers. Before antibiotics, it was a treatment for many types of infections, from tuberculosis to typhoid. It was also used to dress wounds in World War I. It has also been known to aid in reducing elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Safety first
Things to know
High amounts of garlic can increase the effects of medications affecting the blood, such as blood thinners and even aspirin. Please consult your doctor before using garlic therapeutically.
Herbal information on Fate Apothecary is for educational purposes only and is not individualized medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications, health conditions, pregnancy, and one another.