Not really a garlic rant but a comment from a plants man and nurseryman. Garlic is often SOLD as a health supplement ….
Having worked in the Santa Cruz/Gilroy,Salinas area of CA., I can only caution garlic users to buy ‘organic’ garlic. Salinas may be the garlic capital of CA. but it is also heavily pesticided and the use of herbicides is commonplace. During some seasons of the year I could barely drive through that valley without wanting to put on a gas mask. Worse yet, we are now importing (Wall mart) most of our garlic** from China which not only has the worst track record for polluted soils but the very water they irrigate with.
SO???? Try searching out organic farmers in this country. Buy locally, but buy organically. I have used this supplier in Texas for decades and his website is awesome.
Gourmet Garlic Gardens http://gourmetgarlicgardens.com/
** throw in honey as well.
Another site worth investigating would be Filaree Garlic Farm in WA. http://www.filareefarm.com/ Great links!!!
Garlic Soup
(Cesnekova Polevka)
1 whole garlic clove
2 Tbsp. butter
2 c. broth (chicken or beef)
2 c. water
salt and pepper to taste
Bring water and broth to a boil. Slice garlic and simmer in butter about 30 seconds. Add to boiling liquid mixture and season. Toast 8 slices of bread. Place a slice of bread in each soup plate, cover with soup. Eat hot
A dark bread would be preferred.