Daily Ingredient: Garlic

Gothic Garlic.

Humans have used garlic for over 7,000 years, as both food and medicine.

It’s affectionately dubbed “The Stinking Rose”. It’s bold quality offers a strong presence in culinary delights and medicinal tinctures alike, allowing one to be more willing to shrug off its [somewhat offensive] odor in light of the many powerful healing benefits it promotes.

The potent [& lingering] scented garlic bulb was used since Ancient Egypt a protection against reputed evil spirits, witches spells, harm- and yes, vampires. In fact garlic is so potent, that it isn’t hard to imagine it could repel just about everything- insects, pests….lovers. Garlic has been used like a repellent; rubbed on skin-smeared on glass/surfaces-bulbs placed in certain areas of the home. In Stoker’s Dracula [1897], we read of Professor Van Helsing filling up the bedroom of Miss Lucy with garlic flowers, attempting to protect her the bloodthirsty vampire of the title’s name. While Vampires are usually described so horrifying and savage, one would want them at bay- but with the reinvention of the entity such as with The Count [on Sesame Street] or in the Twilight series….perhaps we leave a lot of room for them to stick around in our imagination and stories. I wonder if Rob Pattinson eats garlic when he’s on set. JK.

Though Garlic [Allium sativum] is quite repelling, lets not forget its remarkable health promoting benefits and ability to add robust flavor to dishes. Garlic is part of the onion genus ‘Allium’ (like onion, leek, shallot and chive) which is botanically part of the Lily family. The bulbs break into smaller pieces referred to as “cloves”, as it’s paper skin is shed. Cultivated since ancient times, garlic was reportedly fed to Egyptian slaves to increase their physical stamina. Garlic has also been used medicinally as a diuretic [helps release water retention], digestive stimulant and antispasmodic [suppressed muscle spasms]. Garlic has also been proven to promote heart health.

The wild predecessor of garlic was native to Central Asia, where to this day the modern species grows heartily. China is the world’s largest producer of garlic. White skinned garlic is commonly grown in the United States. While purple skinned variety is more popular in Mexico and Italy. Other high producers of garlic include India, South Korea, Burma, Russia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Ukraine. France and Spain are also known to use the ingredient greatly too as a pungent seasoning.

Besides color distinctions, there are two main types of garlic; Softneck [stalkless, more popular variety, easier to grow/store, mild to very hot flavors] & Hardneck [has woody flower stalk, cloves are larger, more complex subtle flavors] . Softneck garlics include cultivars like: Artichoke garlic, Silverskin garlic and Creole garlic. Hardneck garlics include cultivars like: Porcelain garlics, Rocambole garlic and Purple stripe garlics. Garlic commonly plays a strong role in Mediterranean cuisine, but also shows up in dishes of European, Asian and African origin.

Sulfur compounds are what cause garlic’s strong taste and smell. Eating fresh parsley is a common temporary cure for “garlic breath” and is often placed as a garnish next to meals containing the sulfur rich ingredient. [think parsley sprigs next to garlic hummus or parsley sprinkled over garlickly Italian dishes]. The strong-smelling sulfur compounds of garlic when metabolized, form Allyl Methyl Sulfide[ which cannot be digested, so it is passed off to the lungs and blood to be removed]. This is why these compounds may be noticable in the skin or breathe even a day after consuming. Garlic lingers.

My love dislikes a potent garlic scent [especially on the breath] so much, that I humorously discovered he hid whatever garlic bulbs on might purchase on a shelf high enough that I wouldn’t be finding them. No one wants garlic breathe, so that’s where loads of parsley or natural breath fresheners come into play…I can happily go back to savoring my favorite Gone Nuts!-Rosemary Garlic Pistachios & Almonds and Raw Hummus brand from Majestic Garlic. It might actually seem to go against commonsense but garlic is very much an aphrodisiac, in fact it’s one of the top lovie-dovey mood enhancing foods around. Doesn’t turn you on does it? Ugh, garlic on the breath you say. But certainly, garlic aids in circulation, *a hem* pumping blood to your extremities [increasing men's endurance]. Now that doesn’t stink.

Garlic is often planted in the Fall [said to grow best], and harvested in the Spring. Though in some locations the cultivation is opposite, with Fall being the time of harvest. This makes garlic most likely available year round. When you buy or harvest fresh garlic store it in a dry airy place (not the fridge) with a little light- this will prevent molding.

When I was a kid, we kept garlic in a ceramic cup on a shelf in the pantry. I remember my mom pressing garlic cloves into pork roast before it went into the toaster oven, the fragrance permeating the air within several minutes. Late in highschool, when I was preparing my own [raw] vegan meals, I must have had 1 or 2 cloves a day- mainly in my favorite guacamole or hummus. I remember being taught how to press the knife flatly against the garlic, helping remove it’s skin and release the flavor.

Eating garlic will correspond to the area of our Root Chakra, as garlic is a root plant. A balanced Red Root Chakra will ground you, provide you with a surge of physical energy and “common sense”, a sense of security, functioning survival instincts and belonging to the world. This will help you to feel calmer and safe in your place in the world, and the ability to let go of fears/insecurities. This chakra signifies heredity, family [ancestry] and the home; just like the expression “to put down roots” or “I don’t forget my roots”. The root chakra is connected to our sense of smell, which well suited for the ingredient garlic. This area is also associated with the bowels, and garlic is wonderful for aiding poor digestion and is an effective diuretic (reduces water retention by promoting urination).

Back to Good & Evil- In India there is a tradition of hanging garlic, lemon and red chili at their doors to ward off potential evil. An Islamic myth suggests that when Satan left the Garden of Eden, garlic arose in his left footprint. In Hinduism it is believes garlic stimulates and warms the body, increasing desire [so Hindus generally avoid using garlic in foods set for religious festivities and times]. In some Buddhist beliefs garlic is said to stimulate sexual drives and aggressive energy that’s unconducive to their meditation practices. Garlic folklorically in Europe has held the reputation of being a preventative measure for warding off “white magic”, and protecting them against wolves-demons and vampires, or even bring luck.

October 29th was Hermit Day. It also was the night of a gorgeous full ‘Hunter’s Moon’. Hermit Day is a day for seclusion, quietness and meditation. The strong feminine energy of the full moon Moon [Luna] impacted the tides, bringing massive waves to shore. As well as people’s emotional moods- the heightened energy of the air on a full moon night is very cleansing, but also very charged…thus resulting in a somewhat unsettling feeling of preparing for the next step forward. For the Eastern Shore Line yesterday, it certainly became an intense day with Hurricane Sandy barreling up the coast. An interesting Hermit day-cause for staying hunkered down inside and kept safe in your own escape from Mother Nature’s fury. Perhaps becoming a much-needed time for reflection, repose and prayer-clearing streets and the usual hustle bustle of the face paced technology driven world. Power outages certainly bringing many back to the feeling of a simpler era. The light of a radiant moon, a glow above it all. * It is believed that not only eating red foods & roots (such as garlic), but by meditating under a full moon too- will help to balance your root chakra.

I always dreamed of being a hermit (or living a Thoreau-like) existence, heading off to the mountains and woods, in a cabin by myself. Living off the land, and becoming more in tune with nature. Though I think I may have also been muddling ‘ hermit’ and ‘hobbit‘ [im also a Tolkien fan] a bit, though the two share some commonalities. Both appealing. Suppose I’ve always preferred to keep to myself a bit. I value solitary time. My recent experience on a 2 1/2 month juice feast, was a big introspective time for me. In most my free time, I turned into a bit of a hermit-with energy being directed towards cleansing, meditation and the process of the juice feast itself.

A hermit is defined as “a person who lives, to some degree, in seclusion from society, renouncing worldly concerns and pleasures, in seeking solitude for meditation, contemplation and prayer with distractions. Essentially they use their time of privacy for introspection, a repose in existential bliss but also a dive into one’s own personal inner workings and depth. Friedrich Nietzsche, in his influential work Thus Spoke Zarathustra, created the title character of the hermit Zarathustra. Obi wan Kenobi and Yoda, of Star wars, were also hermits. C.S. Lewis created The Hermit of the Southern March, in his Chronicles of Narnia. Inspiration for my favoring of a hermit life, was always available from books and films that I’ve enjoyed.

The hermit can be further understood as a wise or inspirational person, friend or teacher- often one seen alone and visited individually in solace or for their many wisdoms on life. They shine light on any situation, and also help one to further understand themself and answer the questions they were asking. In Tarot ’The Hermit’ is often described as the ‘The Fool’ who has found retreat in a small rustic home in the woods. Here he reads, rests, thinks, carries about a solitary but spirited existence. Every night heading out into the landscape, carrying a staff and lantern- walking dusk to dawn-examining and noticing in detail what would have otherwise been missed in a busy life. Having this card drawn, is an indication of a desire for introspection, peace and solitude. A time to think and withdraw, not act or make decisions. The Hermit signifies a time leading to enlightenment and clarity, but not without first time for observation and soul-searching.

So eat garlic, and relish some time alone [though not lonely].

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NUTRITIONAL & HEALTH BENEFITS OF GARLIC

[be sure to purchase ORGANIC, not irradiated like most coming from China)

Source of Maganese, Vitamins B6 & B1, Vitamin C, Selenium, Calcium, Tryptophan, Phosphorus and Copper. Has antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties. Boasts Antibacterial (great to disinfect), Antiviral and Antifungal activity.

Has been used medicinally in treatment of parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion {call it Gastric Garlic!}, blood sugar regulation and low energy. Garlic also boosts the immune system, helping prevent or reduce the symptoms of a cold or flu. NOTE: Hemophiliacs should NOT use garlic, as it would further diminish their body's ability to clot blood. For most others, this is not an issue.

I Love Garlic and Garlic Loves my Heart. Garlic has been widely researched and known in the prevention of heart disease- as garlic assists in high cholesterol and blood pressure reduction [in studies where 1 to 2 medium cloves were eaten a day]. Throughout the Mediterranean, where garlic is a large part of the diet, there is a wellness surrounding the people’s cardiovascular health and lower incidences of heart related illness. The diet is rich in garlic – fresh vegetables & fruits- whole grains and healthy fats (such as in olives & olive oil)- is known to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Garlic Can increase Iron absorption. Combine garlic with Iron-Rich raw plant sources [like Spinach, Brocolli, Kale, Chard, String Beans, Collards, Peas, Dandelion & Beet Greens]. Vitamin C helps Iron absorption too, so mix into the meal too [lemon/lime/grapefruit juice, Sweet Bell Peppers or Tomato]. Guacamole is the perfect combination!- has Garlic with Avocado, Lime Juice, Peppers and Tomato (vitamin c) can be wrapped in a green, like Chard or over Baby Spinach [iron]. Or Green Salad with a Garlic Lemon Tahini Dressing [Iron] & tomatoes + sweet pepper [Vitamin C]. The combinations are endless, iron rich foods and proper absorption are particularly important for Vegans- so they don’t become [borderline] Anemic.

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8 CULINARY IDEAS FOR GARLIC- whether chopped, pressed, crushed, minced or sliced !

Always eat garlic fresh [preferably Organic], as you obtain more nutritional and therapeutic effect this way.

Garlic is well suited for pairing with oily foods (such as olive oil), rich fat foods (such as pine nuts, avocado) or acidic foods (like lemon). Commonly paired worldwide with tomato, onion or ginger. Excellent with all types of greens and vegetables (notably Spinach, Brocolli or Cauliflower).

#1 Garlic Soup/Gazpacho

Add some heat and character to a raw soup. Blend up one of the tasty recipes below!

Warming Sweet Corn, Garlic & Tomato Soup with Avocado + Dill from This Rawesome Vegan Life

A Plethora of Raw Vegan Soups [Creamy Spinach Soup, Creamy Mushroom, Garden Veggie Soup] by Lori Clayton, Via We Like It Raw

Creamy Pea Soup with Garlic from Addicted to Veggies

Raw Food Coconut Soup by Jolinda Hackett

Raw Miso Soup from Rawified

Gazpacho from Oh She Glows

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#2 Garlic Tomato Sauce with Zucchini Pasta

Garlic has always been a big part of Italian cuisine, follow the tradition in some healthy raw recipes. If you’re crunched for time and can’t make your own sauce (even if it’s easy as 1-2-3), try mixing a bit of raw garlic dip (such as my favorite from Majestic Garlic) with raw zucchini pasta and sprinkling chopped parsley over.

Raw Tomato Sauce from Elana’s Pantry

Zucchini “Pasta” with Raw Marinara Sauce from Culinary Adventures in the Kitchen

Raw Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce from For The Love of Food

Raw Vegan Alfredo Sauce with Zucchini Noodles from Vegangela

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#3 Garlic Spreads & Dips

Though you probably wouldn’t want to give everyone at your gathering or dinner party, garlic breathe (but maybe “the more the merrier”) …certainly there’s a time for finding a bit of garlic spread or dip in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy these dips liberally, a little goes a long way to health, and just chew some mint or parsley afterwards.

Majestic Garlic makes amazing raw hummus & creamy garlic paste [both raw], in a variety of flavors such as: Original, Sun-Dried Tomato (my fave), Cumin, Cilantro Jalapeno, Basil and Cayenne. They also make raw pickled garlic. I buy these at my local farmer’s market or at the Co-Op, but they’re also available online and at several Whole Foods Markets in Southern California.

Raw Salad with Rosemary Garlic Dressing by Dara Dubinet

Low Fat Raw Vegan Pesto from Fully Raw Kristina

Low Fat Hummus by Erin, Via Gone Raw

Hummus [Sandwich] from Jennifer Cornbleet, Via Beautiful on Raw

Baba Ghanoush from Beautiful on Raw

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#4 Good-Hearted Garlic Salads & Dressing

Cold-pressed olive oil can be infused with garlic &/or selected herbs [rosemary, thyme, etc.) and then mixed with vinegar or citrus juice, for a very vibrant dressing. Or try some of the very garlic dressings below, for good heart health. Maybe just not on date night or your anniversary!

Raw Salad- Figs, Garlic and Apple by Dara Dubinet

Golden Garlic Salad Dressing from The Raw Foods Witch

Simple Raw Garlic Salad Dressing from The Rawtarian

Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing with Medjool Dates by Angela Leeds, via The Live Green Smoothie Diet

Raw Citrus Kale Salad from Jennifer Murray

Raw Kale Salad in Creamy Garlic Dressing from Cadry's Kitchen

Warm & Tender Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Salad from Addicted to Veggies

"The Immunizer" Kale Grape Salad with Garlic by Angela Leeds, via The Live Green Smoothie Diet

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#5 Got a Cold? For the Daredevil in you.

Cloves eaten Plain? If you dare. Just chug down some of the miracle drinks (garlic will quicken healing of a strep or sore throat) and make you feel the immune-boosting benefits.

Garlic Juice [information] from The Juice Nut

Garlic Apple Juice & Garlic Veggie Juice from spabettie

Fresh Raw V8 Juice by Joanna, vis Juicer Reviews & Recipes

Winter Tonic from Time and Truffles

Garlic Tea from Healing Naturally by Bee

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#6 Garlic Crackers, Chips & Bruschettas

You may have many a time enjoyed the classic garlic bread, alongside your family’s favorite Italian specialities or a side when ordering in for pizza. Now if you are a bit carb-conscious or simply enjoying raw foods, you can take some raw garlic “butter” and apply to flax crackers, dehydrated raw veggie crusts or sprouted breads. Raw [Garlic] Toast would just be an oxymoron.

RAW GARLIC “BUTTER” : Mix a bit of finely minced garlic into a Tablespoon Raw Almond Butter, Tahini or Coconut Oil.

Brad’s Raw Leafy Kale- Vampire Killer Flavor

Foods Alive Onion Garlic Flax Crackers

Lydia’s Organics Italian and Green Crackers

Garlic Rosemary Flax Crackers from The Delicious Revolution

Tomato Basil Bruschetta* from Everyday Raw

Raw Bruschetta* from Cherish Each Moment

*place on store-bought sprouted bread-if high raw, or homemade sprouted bread/flax or veggie crisps (100% raw)

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#7 Guacamole

Although authentic guacamole does not involve garlic, I think it adds a nice flavor and “heat” to the recipes. Try some of the notably garlic infused guacs below…

Basic Guacamole from Tastespotting, The Blog

Great Guacamole by Laura G.

Garlicky Holy Guacamole!* by Rachel Ray

*Though when I was vegan in college, I did enjoy those Garden of Eatin’ Sesame Blues Tortilla Chips [lol- the brooding artist, Blue?]…i’d suggest making raw corn tortilla chips or using other favorite flax [see above] or crudite instead.

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#8 Raw Garlic Cauliflower Taters

The holidays are quickly approaching, and who wants to give up their absolute favorites this time of eat. Well with some tweaking you won’t have too, just enjoy updated raw holidays classics (such as these) with moderation and you’ll stay on track with healthy habits well into a Happy New Year!

Mashed Taters from Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine by Gabriel Cousens

Raw Mashed Potatoes from The Renegade Kitchen

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OTHER PRACTICAL USES FOR GARLIC

*It’s been suggested that garlic not be eaten by breastfeeding mothers, as the pungent root will odour the milk-causing a slow/no feed by babies.

FOR NATURAL BUG REPELLENT & FOR ITCHING (if you do get bit) learn how to make a natural Garlic Mosquito Repellent for your body. If you are itching from bug bites/bee sting, crush some garlic and rub directly into the affected areas, which will reduce the sensation and keep you from scratching. To repel bugs from your garden, follow this: DIY Garlic Spray to Keep Bugs Away

Pesticide, Mosquito Repellent & Flea Deterrent [from 20 Unusual Uses for Garlic]

FOR FIRST AID/NATURAL REMEDIES - LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE, AND MEDICINE BE THY FOOD ~Hippocrates. Raw garlic has actually been used as part of dozens of natural remedies for a long list of common ailments, over centuries. Now you can get in on the secret of this powerful root- and get to the root of the problem.

Great treatments for: Acne, Cold Sores, Athlete’s Foot, Splinter Removal, Gas Prevention, Yeast Infections, Psoriasis Relief, Cough Syrup, Mole Remover, Cold Banisher, Hair loss help & Parasite Killer [find out by 20 Unusual Uses for Garlic, written by Stephanie Rodgers]

Skin Ointment with Garlic & Coconut Oil [kills Candida/fungus including Athlete's Foot fungus, Bacteria and Viruses].

FOR TOOTHACHE Crushed raw garlic actually out the infection and relieves pain of toothaches. Apply directly. Follow these guidelines How to Use Garlic For Toothache.

FOR HOME & OTHER- Who knew? Garlic works as a Glass Repair or Road de-icer. Learn how here.

Hope you and yours enjoyed a safe and festive Halloween, and happy ending to October. Health and wellness abounding!

Joy,

GreenAura

“The only advice I can give to inspiring writers is don’t do it unless you’re willing to give your whole life to it. Red wine and garlic also helps.” ~Jim Harrison

“Most dear actors, eat no onions nor garlic, for we are to utter sweet breath.” – William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

“The air of Provence was particularly perfumed by the refined essence of this mystically attractive bulb.” – Alexandre Dumas

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Photo Credits:

1. [front featured image, garlic bulb] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcbeth/3848055927/”>McBeth</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

2. [garlic flower] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/smb_flickr/530610630/“>. SantiMB . via http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

3. [garlic bulbs in bag] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/funch/5057307355/”>Funchye</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/”>cc</a>

4. [dracula book cover] http://www.flickr.com/photos/24905220@N00/3402406560/”>Ben Templesmith</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

5. [garlic bulbs, vintage like photo] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/newkidontheblock/5385886803/”>Sunday’s child</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>cc</a>

6. [purple garlic with stalks] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/jariceiii/7317217850/”>jar ()</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>cc</a>

7. [cups of garlic clove varieties] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/chiotsrun/5132040422/”>Chiot’s Run</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/”>cc</a>

8. [root chakra, red sculpture] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/ogaryo/6108331260/”>ogaryo</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>