Garlic (1kg)

Description

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a perennial plant in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), widely cultivated for its flavorful bulbs. Native to Central Asia, garlic has been used for thousands of years in various cuisines and traditional medicines.
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en.wikipedia.org

Botanical Description
The garlic plant grows from a bulb and produces a tall, erect flowering stem. Its leaves are flat, linear, and solid, with an acute apex. The bulb comprises 10 to 20 cloves, each enclosed in a papery sheath. Cloves near the center are symmetrical, while outer cloves can be asymmetrical. Garlic produces hermaphroditic flowers, typically pink to purple, from July to September in the Northern Hemisphere. Pollination is primarily by butterflies, moths, and other insects.
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Culinary and Nutritional Uses
Garlic is a cornerstone in global culinary arts, known for its intense flavor and aroma. It can be consumed fresh, as a powder, or as garlic oil to flavor foods. Cooking methods like sautéing, roasting, or mincing can affect its pungency due to the release of allicin, a chemical compound responsible for its distinctive taste and smell.
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Health Benefits
Garlic is rich in organosulfur compounds, which contribute to its flavor, aroma, and potential health benefits. It contains vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium. Allicin, a type of antioxidant found in garlic, is thought to be responsible for many of its positive effects, including reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
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verywellhealth.com
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Varieties
There are two main types of garlic: softneck and hardneck. Softneck garlic has a longer storage life, up to 12 months, and is typically milder in flavor. Hardneck garlic is known for its larger cloves and stronger flavor, and it produces an edible central stalk called a garlic scape.
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Storage
Whole heads of garlic can stay fresh for up to six months if stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Peeled garlic cloves have a shorter shelf life and should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, used within a few days to avoid spoilage.
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Garlic’s versatility in cooking and its potential health benefits make it a valuable addition to many diets