Skip to Content

National Garlic Day – April 19 – Activities, Recipes and Growing Tips

0 Comments

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.

A collage of two photos of heads of garlic with a text overlay that reads "April 19 is National Garlic Day".

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.A collage with three images, one of a sprouting bulb of garlic, one with garlic toast, and one with vampire fangs, next to a text overlay that reads "fun facts about garlic".

  • 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:A photo of garlic in a garden, and bulbs of garlic with roots attached with a text overlay reading "garlic growing tips".

  • 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.
April 19 is National Garlic Day. Grab some breath mints and eat some garlic to celebrate! #nationalgarlicday Click To Tweet

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.

This post may contain affiliate links. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you if you purchase through an affiliate link.

  • 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!

Text that reads "recipes that feature garlic" in between two photos, one of garlic on a cutting board, and one of asparagus, garlic, tomatoes, an avocado and olive oil container on a counter.

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.

Share on Social Media

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission from the sale, but the price is the same for you. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."