“Lazy garlic” – what will they think of next? Lidl is selling garlic heads, each about half the size of normal, but consisting of just one clove. What’s the point of that? “Very easy to peel and can therefore be prepared much more quickly,” says a spokesperson for the chain. The garlic is “uniquely fragrant”. Sampling some, I thought it not very different from ordinary garlic. But it has more ka-boom than the feeble elephant garlic you see sometimes on the veg counter. It’s big and easily peeled but it is in fact a type of leek posing, rather pathetically, as a garlic. Lidl’s solo or pearl garlic is the […]

The first time I had ever heard of toum—the crazy good, strong garlic sauce that is a ubiquitous Middle Eastern condiment for kebabs and other barbecued meats—was just a few years ago.  We were both surprised that not only had I never made this version of garlic aoli before, I had never tasted it, either. Turns out I was missing out on the kind of garlicky flavor that gives  a whole new meaning. There is not a lot of garlic in the Lebanese cuisine I grew up with, which may be the result of the regions from which my parents hail, but it could also have to do with the […]

Garlic is good for your health and studies demonstrate that garlic has proven anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties when applied either topically or digested as a pill, though you have to take into consideration that a pill will take a while to show any marked skin improvements,’ he explained.  ‘I believe that, when dealing with minor breakouts – garlic introduced into the diet or applied onto the face could be beneficial,But I don’t think that for an individual with consistent acne breakouts, it would be a long lasting remedy.’ While home remedies can be effective for other ailments, however, Dr. Austin believes that, when it comes to treating acne, the best […]

Revolving around the concept of an ingredient, Mad For Garlic is a new concept restaurant that originated in Korea, but focuses its menu on serving classic Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and risotto. Offering over 50 kinds of menu items all based around garlic, Mad For Garlic is definitely not a place to dine at if you plan to do any kissing later. Even the reflects its theme of garlic and wine. Mad For Garlic has an attractive wine rack which takes up an entire wall, and the overhead lightings are wreathed in garlic cloves. Beyond this, Mad For Garlic has a rather simple, minimalist look, with dark colours […]

With our kids all back in school, we’re starting to see some sniffles here and there with the changes of the season. As we all know, a cold can be passed around a classroom faster that you can say “hachoo.” And in turn, we can pass it off around the office.Some of the best defenses against the common cold and clue are right in your pantry.  Honey, Ginger, Garlic. Here are three really great ideas we’ve culled from around the web that are delicious, whether you are sick or not, but could offer some added immune-boosting nutrients at a time when you need it most. Power Popsicles We are loving […]

In a world mesmerized by the false promises of pharmaceutical industry marketing copy, as well as inundated with aggressively marketed dietary supplements, many of which are manufactured by the same companies making a killing off patented chemicals (Bayer owns One A Day, Pfizer owns Centrum), it is reassuring to know that the kitchen pantry will never fail us. Inexpensive, time-tested, safe and delicious, many spices are attaining recognition for being, quite literally, ‘life saving,’ which is likely one reason why, in ancient times, many were worth their weight in gold. This time around, the health benefits of ancient ‘folk remedies’ like garlic are being confirmed by straight-laced men and women […]

For the garlic grower, Music garlic seed will plant approximately 40 cloves for every pound of seed.  The plants are vigorous, tall, dark and vibrant green, and the germination rate is excellent.  I have read that Music appears resistant to many diseases that affect garlic.  Music is a reliable hardneck garlic to grow. Hardneck garlic: Is named for the long flowering stem in the center of the garlic bulb, called a scape Produces a scape, which is edible Consists of 4-12 large, easy-to-peel cloves in each bulb Thrives in regions with cold winters.  Some varieties also do well in milder climates. Offers greater richness and complexity of flavor than softneck counterparts Stores […]

Each plants sends up a scape, which would contain its flower and then seeds if I didn’t cut it off,” Barbara continued. “German White has large cloves, about eight around a central stem. They are easy to peel and have excellent flavor. You can tell how many cloves each plant will produce by counting the number of leaves the plant has during its growing cycle. Each leaf equals one clove—roughly.” Barbara planted this year’s crop last November 1. “The University of Maryland Extension’s ‘Planting Dates’ guide for Central Maryland recommends planting garlic from October 15 to November 15, so I planted at the mid-point.” Some growers plant in the spring, […]