Plant Your GARLIC Now

(Page 2 of 4)

October/November 2001
 
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Garlic for Good Health

Garlic enjoys a long and illustrious history of promoting good health. Ancient Egyptian pyramid builders were said to eat it to help them gain strength. This theme was repeated over the centuries as garlic retained the reputation for building strength and combating disease. Modern medicine is finding that many of garlic's historical folk uses have merit. Before humans even understood how blood moved through the body, garlic had a reputation for improving circulation. Today, studies show garlic does help thin the blood, and it helps reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Scientists are still trying to understand exactly how garlic works in the human body; most theorize a combination of enzymes along with the sulfur compounds, which give the bulb its characteristic aroma, are the source of its therapeutic effects. Still more debate revolves around how cooking affects these compounds. It may be awhile before scientists solve the mystery of how garlic works in the human body. In the meantime, you can't go wrong by including this delicious folk remedy in your diet (see " Fearless Fare for the Garlic Gourmet ," for several garlic recipes, including Garlic Ice Cream.)

RELATED CONTENT

Garlic is hardy and not often bothered by pests. Nematodes can be a problem, especially in the West, and they sometimes persist in the soil for several years. Plants infested with nematodes will be stunted, with pale, twisted leaves. Eventually the stem will begin to rot. Prevention is the best defense: Start with clean seed stock and don't plant garlic near nematode hosts, such as onions, peas, parsley, celery or salsify.

Onion thrips are small, sucking insects that attack garlic, especially during dry, warm weather. Spray stems with water or insecticidal soap and remove crop residue after harvest. Soilborne diseases like white rot and penicillium molds can sometimes be a problem in garlic crops, usually causing stunted plants to turn yellow and die. You can avoid these problems by starting with disease-free planting stock (see sources ), adding compost to your planting bed and cleaning up crop debris after harvest.

WHEN TO HARVEST

Pull your garlic too early and you'll harvest small bulbs that don't store well; wait too long and the cloves will begin to pull away from the stalk and dry out. The trick is to begin watching for clues in midsummer. When the leaves start to turn brown. Stop watering (and hope for dry weather) to help the skins dry out. When slightly more than half the leaves have turned color, pull a sample bulb every few days. When the cloves fill out the skins evenly, your crop is ready for harvest.

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