Try to pick out sturdy crisp stalks which do not appear wilted, and you should also check for mold and mildew on the garlic.

Chopping or crushing garlic and letting it rest before cooking may enhance its cancer-fighting properties.

                           A sulfur-based compound called alliin and an enzyme called alliinase are separated in the Garlic's cell structure when it is whole. Cutting garlic ruptures the cells and releases these elements, allowing them to come in contact and form a powerful new compound called alliicin, which not only adds to the number of garlic's health-promoting benefits but is also the culprit behind its pungent aroma and gives Garlic its "bite”.

Garlic is one of the richest sources of organic selenium and germanium. Together, garlic’s disclosed and yet undiscovered nutrients combine to make it one of the best nutritional spices in the world.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for general health promotion for adults is a daily dose of 2 to 5 g of fresh garlic (approximately one clove), 0.4 to 1.2 g of dried garlic powder, 2 to 5 mg of garlic oil, 300 to 1,000 mg of garlic extract, or other formulations that are equal to 2 to 5 mg of allicin.

·         Garlic is a good source of Vitamin C and B6, along with the minerals selenium and manganese, and some copper and phosphorus. All of these nutrients play a role in keeping you healthy and preventing degenerative diseases.

·         Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold Garlic supplementation helps to prevent and reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu and common cold.

·         High doses of garlic appear to improve blood pressure of those with known high blood pressure (hypertension). 

·         Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower The Risk of Heart Disease

·         Garlic contains powerful antioxidants that protect against cell damage and ageing. It may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Antioxidants help to protect the body against damaging “free radicals”.

·         Eating Garlic Can Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body

·         Garlic has anti cancer properties. Lab studies along with population studies seem to indicate that garlic can have an effect on preventing cancer, particularly of the stomach, esophagus and colon. Cultures who consume large amounts of garlic appear to have a lower incidence of these types of cancer.

·         Eating garlic can improve your blood lipid levels by lowering your cholesterol and triglycerides. For this reason including garlic in your diet is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

·         Garlic may help to lower blood pressure by blocking undesirable contraction of blood vessels as well as preventing clots.

·         Garlic is an anti-inflammatory food. There is good evidence that inflammation in the body is the main cause of most sickness and disease, so including garlic in the diet may inhibit the inflammation and help provide some protection against so many of the illnesses that plague us.

Peeled cloves may be stored in wine or vinegar in the refrigerator. Garlic can be stored in dry place. Garlic is best stored in a cool, dry place.

Garlic bulbs to be stored in an airtight container or plastic baggie ensuring a cool dark environment.

Garlic pickle

Coriander garlic chutney

As a flavour in curry