|
Unusual Vegetable Plants |
||
|
|
Garlic - Allium Sativum
Full heads of Garlic or bulbs, can readily be bought from almost any greengrocers, but it is best to buy them in packets as you would Onion sets from a GC. Not all Garden Centres sell Garlic heads, but they are becoming more popular and available and you will have guaranteed quality. Also you will be sure that the bulbs will be suitable for growing in the UK, unlike bulbs bought in a greengrocers that are meant for eating and have possibly been grown in a warmer climate.
|
The French have always claimed
that Garlic had medicinal qualities, but as with many old fashioned
remedies British medicine traditionally scorned the idea a little and
put it down as another "old wives
tale." The world of fiction went further and has always said that Garlic
had other qualities as it was good, or rather bad for vampires, declaring that it was one way of
keeping them away. Now however, modern medicine has accepted that some
of its
reputed medicinal qualities have a basis in truth.
A member of the onion family Garlic is
easy to grow, but the bulbs should be split into individual cloves
before planting and should be planted more deeply than onions. Mature heads should
be harvested in the late Summer and not allowed to run to seed.
Of course Garlic is used as a flavouring and not a vegetable like an
onion. It is the oils, that are best released when the Garlic is
crushed, (not chopped) that give it it's strong flavour. If you like
it's pungent flavour, that can only be described as an acquired taste,
it is well worth growing some Garlic, because it is quite expensive to
buy in the U.K. and relatively easy to grow.