Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, has a unique histoy of origin and use that spans millennia.
It is believed to have originated over 7,000 years ago in Central Asia. The mutation that resulted in garlic likely occurred somewhere in this region.
From its origins, garlic made its way to the Middle East, India, and eventually found a home in the Mediterranean. Its hardiness and adaptability made it a valuable crop for ancient civilizations. For example, during the reign of the pharaohs, ancient Egyptians fed garlic to laborers who built the great pyramids, believing it would increase their strength, stamina, and protect them from disease.
Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine in ancient Greece, advocated garlic as a cleansing agent and for pulmonary problems.
Throughout history, garlic’s nutritional value and medicinal benefits have made it a cherished plant across cultures