Spice Category: Garlic

Garlic has a long and fabled history. It is mentioned in the earliest Sanskrit texts, and probably was in use long before man could write. There are differing opinions as to its origin, but most seem to place it somewhere in central Asia. Garlic throughout the ages was highly touted for its varied medicinal purposes; it was credited for curing everything from the plague to gunpowder wounds. Greek gladiators thought garlic gave them strength and courage. Romans thought of it more as an aphrodisiac. Garlic even played a part in the building of the Great Pyramids, because the Egyptian laborers would not work without their daily allotment of garlic. Although the aristocracy of certain cultures considers those who eat garlic vulgar, the consumption of garlic in the US has risen well over 1000% in the last 20 years.

Our high quality dried garlic comes from soft-neck garlic grown in California. Dried garlic, either powdered or in pieces, is a great way to add wonderful flavor to dishes without the hassle of peeling and chopping.

Simple cooking rises to extrordinary heights when made by frugal people with great generosity.

Sally Schneider