Physical characteristics

• Bulb: A garlic bulb, often called a "head," is encased in several layers of thin, papery skin that can be white, off-white, or have a purple tint.

• Cloves: Inside the bulb, 10 to 20 individual, teardrop-shaped cloves are tightly clustered. Each clove is also protected by its own papery sheath.

• Leaves: The plant produces long, flat, grass-like leaves from a short underground stem.

• Flowers: Some varieties, known as hardnecks, produce a tall, coiled flower stalk called a scape, which eventually blooms into a cluster of greenish-white or pinkish flowers. 

  Flavor and aroma

  • Strong and pungent: When raw, garlic has a powerful, sharp, and spicy flavor due to sulfur compounds like allicin.

  • Mellow and sweet: When cooked, the heat mellows garlic's intensity and transforms its flavor into a milder, richer, and sweeter taste.

  • Distinctive aroma: The compound allicin is also responsible for the distinctive, strong odor of crushed or chopped garlic. 

  Common uses

  • Cooking: A staple in countless cuisines worldwide, garlic is used to add depth and flavor to a wide variety of dishes, including soups, sauces, meats, and vegetables. It can be used whole, sliced, minced, or roasted.

  • Herbal medicine: Historically used for its medicinal properties in many cultures, garlic is studied for its potential benefits related to cardiovascular health, immune support, and fighting infections.

  • Supplements: Garlic extracts and supplements are commercially available and promoted for their purported health benefits.

  • Pest control: The plant's pungent compounds can be used as a natural deterrent against certain insects and pests in gardens. 

  Types of garlic

  Garlic is generally categorized into two subspecies, with hundreds of varieties: 

  • Hardneck garlic: Characterized by a stiff, woody central stalk, this type typically produces fewer but larger cloves. It is usually grown in cooler climates.

  • Softneck garlic: This variety has a pliable, soft stem that is ideal for braiding. It produces more numerous, smaller cloves and is typically grown in milder climates. Softneck garlic has a longer shelf life and is the type most commonly found in supermarkets.