Garlic is used so often in cooking, it is fitting that it has its own national day. April 19 is National Garlic Day.
Time to forget about its effects on our breath and embrace the clove. We’ve got some recipes, garlic growing tips and fun facts about this bulb that many people have a love-hate relationship with.
it’s not just today that is a national day devoted to garlic. April 6 is also celebrated as National Garlic Bread Day, as well.
April is a month full of national days devoted to all sorts of food. Check out the full list of April national food days here.The botanical name of garlic is Allium sativa. The flower bulb is the part of the garlic plant that is used for cooking. The bulb is made up of lots of smaller bulbs that are covered with a papery skin.
Each smaller bulb is known as a clove. Garlic is known as a “stinking rose” but is a member of the lily family, along with chives, and onions.
For another vegetable inspired day, be sure to check out National Spinach Day.
Fun garlic facts
Here are some interesting facts about garlic that you may not have known.
- China produces the most garlic but it normally won’t re-grow from a clove. To re-grow garlic, use organic garlic cloves.
- The average person eats two pounds of garlic a year.
- Garlic is considered both an herb and a vegetable.
- Folklore tells us that garlic fends of vampires.
- The majority of the garlic grown in the USA comes from California.
- Sprouted garlic can still be used but it will have lost some of its flavor and health benefits.
- Fall is the best time for planting garlic.
- Garlic was once used to treat warts, toothaches and acne.
- Gilroy, California is known as the garlic capital of the world.
- Tradition has it that brides in ancient times carried bouquets that featured garlic to ward off ancient spirits.
- Garlic bread was brought to American by Italian immigrants.
Tips for growing garlic
If you make sure to do a little planning at planting time, garlic will be one of the most hassle-free crops you can grow in your garden. Here are some tips for growing garlic:
- People think that the cloves of garlic are the only thing you can eat, but garlic also produces greens called scapes. See my tips for growing garlic greens indoors.
- Store bought garlic normally has been treated so that it will not sprout, but if you use organic garlic, you can grow your own. Find out how to grow garlic from a single clove here.
- If you grow garlic under the right conditions, It will usually take nine months to mature into a bulb.
- Garlic grows best in the garden if you make sure that it gets at least 6 hours of sun a day.
- Plant garlic cloves at least 3 inches deep.
- Garlic loves the cold weather. Try planting garlic in the fall for the best crop next year.
- Garlic is often used in pasta recipes. Check out National Pasta Day for some recipes, and World Pasta Day for a list of ideal sauce and pasta pairings.
Ways to celebrate National Garlic Day
While some might think that the way to celebrate this pungent national day is by yourself with a box of breath mints, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the day without worrying about your breath.
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- Share the word about garlic day but using the hashtag #NationalGarlicDay on social media.
- See if there is a local garlic festival near by and visit.
- Plant some garlic in your garden.
- Give a garlic plant as a housewarming present.
- Use some of that garlic too make garlic bread for dinner.
- And of course, get in the kitchen and cook some other tasty recipes that feature garlic.
Garlic recipes to try
Garlic is one of the most popular ingredients in so many recipes. It can be used raw, where it is the most pungent, or roasted to lessen the effects of the smell.
Below I’ve compiled a list of great recipes that feature garlic as the star. Let us know in the comments if you try any of them!
- Barramundi with a lemon butter garlic sauce
- Spicy garlic parsley shrimp
- Horseradish cream sauce with roasted garlic
- Easy garlic lemon chicken
- Basil garlic chicken in a buttery tomato sauce
- Chili garlic noodles
- Sausage garlic Parmesan pasta
- Sautéed mushrooms with spinach and garlic makes a great side dish
- Garlic lover’s roast beef
- Garlic lemon roasted shrimp
- Oven baked garlic mushroom rice
- Slimmed down creamy garlic mashed potatoes
- Easy homemade garlic bread
- Garlic cilantro hummus
- How to roast your own garlic for spreads and recipes.
There are over 1500 national days every year. To make sure that you don’t miss a single one of them be sure to check back often to see what is new on the site.
Find out what other special days there are to celebrate this month in the list of national days in April.
Also if you do puzzles, indulge in some me-time with this free printable April word search printable.
To learn about more national food days in April, watch this YouTube video.