However healthful garlic may have been throughout history,civilization has had a love-hate relationship with the odiferousherb. It has been worshipped as a god and scorned as a devil. Someancient Greeks hated it, while the Egyptians swore solemn oaths byit.
The Romans appreciated its medicinal and strength-givingproperties, although the noble class rejected it as a foul-smellingbulb.
During the Dark Ages the popularity of garlic waned, but itscurative properties kept it a favorite among Christian Monks,herbalists and peasant healers.
Fortunately for us, it is the love of garlic that ultimatelyprevailed. Our country is in the midst of a garlic celebration.
It now is said to lower blood pressure; further research hasshown that garlic dilates the blood vessels and reduces fattydeposits. No wonder garlic has been referred to as nature's miraclemedicine chest, the camphor of the poor, the poor man's treacle andthe nectar of the gods. During the world wars it was used to controlgangrene, infection and dysentery.
The common garlic is either white- or pink-skinned. Thewhite-skinned bulbs have a stronger flavor.
Before buying a head of garlic, press the outer cloves to makesure that they are firm.
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