When is National Garlic Day?

Wednesday April 19th

National Garlic Day is held on April 19th, a vegetable also known as the stinking rose. For thousands of years, the fragrant and robust root has been seasoning dishes.

This stenchulent rose is a member of the lily family. This family also uses the delectable onions, leeks, and shallote that we use in some of our favorite dishes. Garlic originated in Asia over 7,000 years ago, so it's no surprise that cuisines around the world incorporate it into their most popular dishes.

Garlic is very versatile, as shown by its numerous medicinal uses. The mighty bulb is considered an herbal remedy for colds and can also reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. The antibiotic properties of garlic have also been established by modern science.

Garlic reeks from Myth and superstition. The most common one claims that garlic wards off vampires. This same theory appeared to work on witches, werewolves, demons, and other such devils one might cross. We also learn that garlic grew from satan's left footprint when he left the Garden of Eden. The bulb was used by Greek midwives to discourage evil spirits from being present, as well as courage-filled Roman soldiers who ate the bulb.

We also need to think about our dreams and garlic. Our dreams often have meaning, and dreaming of garlic is no different. To dream about garlic in the house brings good luck, but there may be undiscovered secrets in the dream, especially in a pesto sauce. Over 300 varieties of garlic grow around the world, with some people dreaming about them as well.