Allium sativum

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and Chinese onion.

Description

Garlic is a perennial flowering plant growing from a bulb. It has a tall, erect flowering stem that grows up to 1 m. The leaf blade is flat, linear, solid, and approximately 1.25–2.5 cm wide, with an acute apex. The plant may produce pink to purple flowers that bloom from July to September in the Northern Hemisphere. The bulb of the plant, commonly used as a flavoring agent in cooking, has a pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.

Cultivation

Garlic is grown globally, but China is by far the largest producer of garlic, with approximately 80% of the world's output. India and South Korea are the next largest producers. Garlic is easy to grow and can be grown year-round in mild climates. While sexual propagation of garlic is indeed possible, nearly all of the garlic in cultivation is propagated asexually, by planting individual cloves in the ground.

Uses

Garlic is widely used around the world for its pungent flavor, as a seasoning or condiment. It is a fundamental component in many or most dishes of various regions, including eastern Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, northern Africa, southern Europe, and parts of South and Central America. The flavor varies in intensity and aroma with the different cooking methods. It is often paired with onion, tomato, or ginger.

Health effects

Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating back to when the Egyptian pyramids were built. In modern times, garlic has been recognized for its potential in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Numerous studies suggest that garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. However, these actions are less clear in humans, and there is disagreement about the extent of garlic's potential health benefits.

See also

• Allium
• Onion
• Shallot
• Leek
• Chive
• Chinese onion

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