NEW SEASONS NZ GARLIC MEDIUM SIZE

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Unfortunately, cooking reduces garlic's healing properties.

The key medicinal qualities are thought to come from allicin, a short-lived compound that forms from two chemicals combining when raw garlic is minced, crushed or chewed.

When eaten, freshly chopped garlic's antimicrobial goodness spreads through the body.

"Garlic's volatile oils are excreted through the lungs, which makes it helpful for any infection or inflammation in the respiratory system." says naturopath Tyson Hammond of Wellgrounded Healthcare.

"In the digestive system, it can kill any infections or pathogens within the digestive tract & be beneficial for the gut flora."

Whole cloves of garlic can be crushed slightly (to release the important enzymes) & swallowed like a pill.

Or you can chop it up finely & mix it with raw honey to take straight off the spoon.

Be careful not to leave it too long, as garlic starts to oxidise in the air, which reduces it's potency.

The humble but potent bulb has been in the human medicine cabinet for at least 5000 years.

Garlic has been documented as far back as ancient Egypt.

Garlic played an important role in many ancient cultures - 

Its 5 properties were said to be these:

it satiates;

it keeps the body warm;

it brightens the face;

it increases semen;

it kills parasites in the bowels.

It was also said to foster love & remove jealousy

Garlic protects against heart disease, lowers blood pressure... as a powerful antibiotic, it helps the body shake off infections.

Chop garlic early in the prep phase, then set it aside for a few minutes (covered, so it won't dry out) to give time for the flavour to fully develop.

As a rule, the smaller the clove, the stronger the taste.

Try making your own garlic bread, loading up a pasta sauce or roasting a few cloves in your weekly roast; consume as much as possible to boost your immune system.

If a naturopath or other health professional suggests adding garlic to your diet to support cholesterol levels or general health, you can add it to your meals by making a garlic-infused oil that the whole family will love – & at half the price of the posh store-bought version.

It's easy. 

Simply take 5-6 cloves of garlic, peel them & pop them into a glass jar or bottle. 

Top with olive oil, making sure the cloves are completely immersed, & leave it in your pantry away from sunlight for four weeks. 

It's then ready to be splashed over pasta for a health-boosting lunch or dinner.