8 Things You Never Knew About Garlic

Garlic may be little, but it is mighty!

Garlic is one of the most used spices in our kitchen but aside from making some killer mashed potatoes or this stuffed artichoke bread boat, garlic is really cool. We dug deep for some facts that just may surprise you as much as they did us!

1. It’s packed with trace minerals.

That garlic clove may be tiny, but it is mighty, packed with several trace minerals, including copper, iron, magnesium, germanium, zinc and selenium, which are vital for normal functioning of our metabolism.

2. It’s an antiseptic.

Apparently garlic was used as an antiseptic and cure for infections in both World War I and World War II. It is said that the discovery of penicillin greatly replaced using garlic as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Russian doctors even called garlic “Russian Penicillin” during WWII.

3. Thank you, California!

90% of United States garlic production is thanks to California.

4. Mark your calendars.

April 19th is National Garlic Day! Now that’s a food-related holiday that I can definitely get behind!