Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Garlic(பூண்டு)


Garlic is one of the most popular spices in the world which belongs to Alliaceae family. Garlic is so popular that it is also referred as the Stinking Rose. It is quite similar to onion. The difference lies in that in the onion there is single bulb whereas garlic produces a compound bulb consisting of groups of white or purplish scales. The garlic head consist of smaller cloves. Garlic is basically a root crop whose bulb grows underground. There are nearly 300 varieties of garlic grown worldwide.
Indian Name: Lahson Botanical Name: Allium sativum Family Name: Alliaceae Parts Used: Underground structure, also known as HeadHabitat: South Western aachiyaa
India is the second largest producer of garlic. The major garlic producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Orissa, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Bihar. It is exported on a large scale but a significant amount of garlic is also used for domestic consumption.Garlic is used in nearly all the dishes. It enhances the taste of the meal. It is grown and consumed worldwide. While choosing garlic one should be careful while selecting it. Choose only that garlic whose head is firm. Garlic with nicks and soft cloves should be avoided. Garlic with dark patch should not be buyed as it is an indication of a common mold which will eventually spoil the flesh.
Unpeeled garlic should not be stored in a refrigerator instead it should be stored in an open container in a cool, dry place away from other foods. I f garlic is stored properly, it can last upto three months.I f garlic is kept for long time it produces green sprout which should be peeled before adding it in the recipe as it is bitter in taste.
Garlic has been used as both food and medicine since many centuries. The disease and disorders in which it is claimed to have positive effects are :
Heart disease, Atherosclerosis ,High cholesterol, High blood pressure, Improves Immunity ,Help in fighting common cold ,Regulates blood sugar level .

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