The health and culinary benefits of garlic

Garlic not only adds a delicious flavour to nearly every dish, but it has some medicinal properties as well.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a powerful natural antibiotic. Regular consumption can help prevent and treat bronchial illness, coughs and colds.

• The antimicrobial properties of garlic are also effective on the digestive system, and may help in cases of gastrointestinal infections.
• Incorporating garlic in your diet may have a preventive effect against stomach cancer and colorectal cancer.
• Garlic has been known to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
• Garlic may help lower cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of blood clots. It can also help to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
• Do not exceed the quantities used in cooking if you are pregnant or breastfeeding/lactating.

Garlic goes well with most herbs and spices. It is an essential ingredient in Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Caribbean cuisines.

• Garlic is available in different colours: white, pink or purple, depending on the variety. Choose very firm bulbs that do not germinate, cramped in their pods.
• Peeled cloves should be creamy white, not grey or yellow. Remove any discoloured parts before use because they give a rancid taste to the dish.
• Once the garlic cloves are peeled, sliced ​​or chopped, enzymes react to exposure to air and produce a stagnant sulphurous smell.
• Garlic's flavour gives a warm impression on the palate. The more it is crushed or finely chopped, the more the flavour is pronounced.
• Well cooked, garlic has a sweet, mild flavour. Bake a whole head, then press the content of the pods. Spread the puree on bread or meat or mix it with mashed vegetables.
• Garlic is used raw in aioli and tapenade.
• Make a garlic butter with crushed garlic and butter, which can be a delicious sauce over meat. You can also spread the garlic butter on bread, put it in aluminum foil for 10 minutes in a hot oven.
• In Italy, bruschetta is made with olive oil, garlic and tomato.
• To season your roasts, make small incisions in the meat then insert thin slices of garlic before cooking, or put a few whole pods inside the chicken.
• Garlic is also sold as a puree, dehydrated flakes, powder and granules.
• To get rid of the smell of garlic, rub your hands with lemon and salt, and wash them in cold water. Keep some lemon halves handy.

Garlic is not only good for you health, but it's the perfect addition to just about any dish.