What can garlic be used for?

Garlic – the pungent herb of many names, some call it nectar in their kitchen while others seem to be skeptical of using it thanks to its equally powerful scent. No matter which camp you belong to, one thing’s for sure- garlic has been used for centuries not just in cooking but also as medicine, protector against evil eye, and many more promising benefits that give vampires a bad rep.

Here are some curious details about this edible bulb:

A Brief History Lesson

Before we dive into its uses today let’s go back in time. Garlic seems to have originated from Central Asia and got transported all across Europe through India and China around 2000 B.C.

The ancient Egyptians revered garlic so much so they even left replicas of them hogging over the tombs of their great pharaohs for protection from marauders.

There may not have evolved several species but there are different forms with varying flavors making it tricky if newbies want to make an informed purchase.

  • Softneck Garlic– often found in supermarkets comes with flexible stems since farmers usually cut off those stiff parts before shipping.
  • Hardneck Garlic is stronger flavored than Softneck; often preferred by discriminating chefs comes equipped with only six cloves (unlike softnecks’ 10), hence hardier.
  • Elephant garlic is said to taste milder despite larger-sized bulbs. They resemble leeks more than traditional small cloved-garlic during preparation prove useful offering efficient chopping for large gatherings.

Let us start satisfying your appetite right away! Here goes:

Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup

Garlic adds a natural savoriness when sautéed alongside onions; here’s how you put them together resulting in wow-worthy soup.

Garlic Butter

No matter what you intend to cook, garlic butter provides an instant culinary upgrade.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

With a few minced cloves of garlic and the perfect ingredients for a dressing like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, juice from lemons – this becomes quite addictive once poured over your chosen salad.

What can you use it For?

Now that we have figured out which form reigns supreme let’s explore the myriad uses of these mighty bulbs:

Culinary Uses

Garlic makes up almost every culture’s recipes; be it Italian or Indian cuisine. Here are some popular dishes:

Agilo et Olio

Spaghetti cooked al-dente sautéed in olive oil & seasoned with red pepper flakes plus garlic charred slightly that gives off irresistibly aromatic appeal!

Mediterranean Platter

Three simple ingredients create complete eye-catchy dish:
freshly baked pita chips,
hummus laced full-bodied puree and last but not least minced roasted-garlic.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Adding roasted lentil-sized clove incites mild smoky flavor infusing its rich creamy goodness into every scoop!

To sum it up, if cooking is it’s forte then pleasing your guests’ palates shouldn’t take second seat while incorporating versatile seasoning such as elegantly sprinkled fresh chopped raw elephant garlic enhances flavors indeed!

Medicinal Use Cases:

Next time someone tells you to “Take two cloves of Garlic!” You’ll know they’re serious about treating particular illnesses! Here goes several home remedies one could try before consulting physicians (with due diligence):

  • Suck on a clove helped thwart coughs quicker than codeine-syrup according to some preliminary studies.
  • Rub crushed Raw-Garlic on mosquito bites helps in reducing swelling & pain alike.
  • Chewing 2-3 fresh cloves consumed daily may lower bad cholesterol levels.
  • Warm garlic water aids in easing earaches. Its antimicrobial properties fight-off unwanted infections.
  • Garlic-packed allergy remedy: Boil 1-2 cloves crushed garlic with a cup of milk serves as instant inflammation reducer.

Other Garlic uses

Don’t be alarmed if some idea sounds zany! Risk-taking attitudes have proven beneficial throughout history!

Beauty and Skincare

Garlic may prove quite helpful for acne prone skin; by cutting one clove into half, rub it gently over the irritated areas (add honey to prevent any reactions) leading the path towards clearer brighter dewier complexion all around!

Pest Control

Plant-based protection seems eco-friendlier than store-bought solutions; why not try planting garlic between bushes?

Pests such as Japanese beetles that destroy shrubs will avoid coming anywhere near since they too find strong scent unbearable.

Alternative Energy Resource:

Yes, you read that right! Albeit it might seem crazy -recent studies reveal how scientists are currently researching ways of harnessing energy from the sulfur compounds released during crushing Garlic bulbs.

Who knew this kitchen staple was touted to be much more versatile than we could’ve imagined? Apart from its distinctive taste ranging from mellow to sharpness with endless culinary possibilities, remedies/experiments just solidify how immensely powerful ARGH!! scratchy throat signals now immediate need for gargling raw-garlic infused warm saline water awaits me tonight!!

In retrospect-like its distinct aroma-refreshingly unforgettable therapeutic properties-unleash confidence-instilling bold flavors set apart dishes beyond mediocre limiting options- once opened, unleash unparalleled potential indeed!

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