Today is National Garlic Day!!

There are over 300 varieties of garlic known throughout the world. Some of the most popular types are Turban garlic, Asiatic garlic, Rocambole garlic and Porcelain garlic. Each different type of garlic has different shapes and tastes. Asiatic garlic has 8-12 cloves per bulb as opposed to Turban garlic which has 5-8 cloves per bulb. 

Garlic is not only a great herb used for cooking, it also has many health benefits. Garlic applied on wounds can heal them faster. During World War I, this healing quality of garlic was used extensively by British soldiers. This exotic herb advocated as health benefiting food for its anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and immune boosting and cholesterol-lowering properties. Garlic dates back more than 5,000 years ago. In ancient Greece, brides carried bouquets of herbs and garlic, not flowers. Ancient Egyptians even used garlic as a form of currency.

Try this recipe to celebrate Garlic Day!

Cauliflower Soup with Toasted Garlic

INGREDIENTS- serves 4

3 cloves garlic, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small head cauliflower, chopped

5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon thyme leaves

kosher salt and black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Cook the garlic in the oil in a large pot over medium heat, stirring, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes; remove and reserve the garlic.

To the pot, add the cauliflower, chicken broth, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Top with the garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and additional thyme before serving.

Fun Fact: The city of Chicago is named after garlic. 'Chicagaoua' was the Indian word for wild garlic.