Products → Garlic
GARLIC
Interesting Facts:
- Ancient Superfood: Garlic has been used for over 5,000 years in both culinary and medicinal applications. It was even consumed by ancient Egyptians to boost strength and endurance.
- Member of the Allium Family: Garlic is part of the Allium family, which includes onions, leeks, shallots, and chives. All of these share similar compounds that give them their pungent smell and flavor.
- Over 600 Varieties: There are more than 600 known varieties of garlic grown around the world, ranging from softneck to hardneck types, each with unique flavor profiles and culinary uses.
- Key Ingredient in Many Cuisines: Garlic is a staple in many culinary traditions across the globe, from Italian and Mediterranean cooking to Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American dishes.
- Garlic Produces Allicin: When garlic is chopped or crushed, it produces a compound called allicin, responsible for its strong smell and many of its health benefits. Allicin is also the compound that gives garlic its antibacterial properties.
- Used in Traditional Medicine: Garlic has been used in traditional medicine to treat everything from colds and infections to digestive issues. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Chinese civilizations highly valued garlic for its medicinal properties.
- Aromatic Bulbs: Garlic grows as a bulb underground, made up of multiple cloves. Each clove can be planted to grow a new garlic plant, making garlic easy to propagate.
- Garlic Festivals: Many regions around the world celebrate garlic with festivals, such as the famous Gilroy Garlic Festival in California, where garlic is the star ingredient in countless creative dishes.
Health Benefits:
- Boosts Immune System: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. It helps stimulate the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off colds, flu, and infections.
- Heart Health: Garlic has been shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve overall cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Garlic contains sulfur compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases linked to inflammation, such as arthritis and some cancers.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Garlic’s allicin has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it effective in fighting off harmful pathogens in the body.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic is high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage, lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
- May Improve Athletic Performance: Historically, garlic was used to enhance physical performance. Modern studies suggest it may help reduce exercise-induced fatigue and improve endurance.
- Supports Detoxification: Garlic helps support the body’s detoxification process by boosting liver function and protecting against heavy metal toxicity, especially when consumed in large amounts.
- May Help Regulate Blood Sugar: Some studies suggest that garlic may help regulate blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for people with diabetes or at risk of developing the condition.
TURKISH GARLIC
We provide garlic from Turkey in Loblaws stores.
CHINESE GARLIC
We provide premium quality garlic from China in Loblaws stores.