Did you know …. truth behind the garlic you eat

Most of the garlic sold in grocery stores in the US has been grown in China and has been irradiated to delay its growth.
Garlic is considered both a vegetable and herb. The most beneficial health effects of eating garlic are by consuming raw freshly crushed garlic. April 19th is national garlic day. California grows a majority of commercial common soft neck garlic sold in the US.

To allow Allicin ( the effective component of garlic) to be released and activated from garlic, allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes before consuming it raw. Garlic will typically produce a larger bulb if planted in Fall. Plant 4-6 weeks prior to the significant ground freeze.

Vernalization needs to occur for hard neck garlic to sprout. The Garlic is usually harvested a month after the scapes have emerged. Stop fertilizing or feeding your garlic once the scape has formed as this is the time for bulb development. Removal of scapes will encourage larger bulb development.

It is usually harvested when the lower portion of the plant’s leaves have browned, while approximately 4-6 are still green. Garlic is a member of the Lily family along with onions and shallots. It may help repel mosquitoes, and crushed and mixed with water and sprayed on rose bushes may be beneficial in eliminating aphids.