Clove Encounters of the Pungent Kind: Celebrating National Garlic Day

April 19th every year

On this day, dear devotees of the pungent and flavorful, we celebrate National Garlic Day.

Yes, every April 19th, we pay homage to that most aromatic of bulbs, the garlic, or as some whimsically call it, the 'stinking rose'.

Now, before you wrinkle your nose at the thought, let us delve into the fascinating world of this lily family member. Yes, you heard that correctly - garlic, along with its cousins the onion, leek, and shallot, all hail from the same illustrious botanical lineage as the delicate lily. What a wonderfully diverse family!

As we speak, in woodlands, hedgerows, and along riverbanks, wild garlic (also known as ramsons) is making its triumphant return.

Can you picture it?

The forest floor carpeted with broad, green leaves, the air perfumed with their distinctive aroma.

This wild cousin of our cultivated garlic goes by another charming moniker - bear's garlic. Legend has it that bears, upon awakening from their winter slumber, feast upon this pungent plant to reinvigorate themselves. One can only imagine the breath of a garlic-eating bear!

But beware, dairy farmers! Should your cows develop a taste for wild garlic, you may find your milk taking on a most unexpected flavor.

Perhaps a new artisanal cheese is in order?

Garlic, however, is not content with merely flavoring our dishes. Oh no, this multitasking bulb also fancies itself a medical marvel. With antibiotic properties and the ability to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, it's a veritable wonder drug.

Feeling a cold coming on?

Herbalists would prescribe a healthy dose of garlic. Though perhaps not before a romantic evening, unless your partner shares your passion for this pungent plant!

Now, let us turn our attention to Gilroy, California, proudly known as the Garlic Capital of the World. The inimitable Will Rogers once quipped about this fragrant town:

...the only place in America where you can marinate a steak just by hanging it out on a clothesline.

One can only imagine the olfactory assault upon entering Gilroy during the height of garlic season!

But Gilroy's culinary adventures with garlic don't stop at savory dishes.

Oh no, they've ventured into the realm of the sweet with their infamous garlic ice cream.

Atlas Obscura noted that this unique dessert "divides ice-cream lovers."

An online reviewer, playing the diplomat, offered this sage advice:

Actually the garlic ice cream is pretty good. But a little does go a long way.

For those brave souls among you who wish to experience this garlicky extravaganza firsthand, mark your calendars. The Gilroy Garlic Festival is held every year in July, a veritable bacchanal of all things allium.

So, my fellow gardeners and gastronomes, as you tend to your garlic beds or crush a clove for your evening meal, take a moment to appreciate this humble yet mighty bulb.

Whether you grow it for its culinary uses, medicinal properties, or simply to ward off vampires (one can never be too careful), garlic truly is the unsung hero of the garden.

And who knows? Perhaps this National Garlic Day will inspire you to experiment with new varieties in your garden.

Just remember, a little garlic goes a long way - in the garden, in the kitchen, and most certainly in ice cream!