Wednesday, May 24, at 1:00 PM
Want to learn more and get a chance to taste this featured food? You are invited to our Beneficial Bites program presented by The Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Garlic – The Unknown Vegetable
Presented by: The Aging and Disability Resource Center
Did you know that garlic is actually considered a vegetable? (Botanically, that is) The definition of a vegetable is any edible part of an herbaceous plant, such as the roots, leaves, stems, and bulbs. Garlic comes from an edible plant with a bulb, steam, and leaves. It belongs to the onion family including shallots, leeks, and chives. In the culinary world, garlic is considered a spice or herb, more than a vegetable. Unlike other vegetables, garlic is rarely consumed in large amounts or on its own. Instead it’s usually added to dishes in small amounts because of its strong taste.
Research shows that eating garlic may reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, decrease risk of blood clots, enhance the immune system, and have anti-inflammatory effects. The Arthritis Foundation lists garlic as a popular spice for fighting inflammation due to containing diallyl disulfide, which is an anti-inflammatory compound that limits the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This mean garlic may even help to prevent cartilage damage from arthritis.
It’s easy to add garlic to your diet. It complements most savory dishes, particularly soups and sauces. The strong taste of garlic can also add a punch to otherwise bland recipes. It comes in several forms from whole cloves and smooth pastes to even supplements like garlic extract and garlic oil. Make a simple anti-inflammatory salad dressing by pressing a few fresh garlic cloves with a garlic press, then mix it with extra virgin olive oil and a tiny bit of salt or salt-substitute.
Want to learn more and get a chance to taste this featured food? You are invited to our Beneficial Bites program which includes monthly in-person sessions at seven different locations and times throughout Barron County. These educational sessions are fun, free, and include taste-testing of delicious recipes. You will also get to take home some recipes to try yourself! Please check out this month’s Review or the ADRC website for dates, locations, and times of each presentation. You can also access more information and recipes on our website at www.adrcconnections.org. Click on the “Programs” tab, then the “Nutrition” tab to find the Beneficial Bites information at your fingertips.
For additional questions or comments please call Darby at 715-537-6225 or email at darby.smith@co.barron.wi.us.