Produce, produce, produce. Unpredictable, stress-filled, emotionally charged, and yet we love it. This industry has really tested my patience in many forms. I've started so many projects that I couldn't see into fruition because things in this industry are constantly changing, plans are constantly changing. So when one of the owners said, "Michelle, we're growing garlic, could you create an ad?" I was dumbfounded. WHAT?! I don't know anything about garlic. The closest I've come to grocery shopping is asking my men if they could pick a box of produce off our floor so I can take home. So yeah, GARLIC?! All I knew was that harvest was a few days away and that I needed to create a small intro for its debut season. I gathered field pics, created a post and just like that we ventured into the unknown world of Allium Sativum.
The WCPE was just around the corner, and the garlic had made its grand arrival into our warehouse; looking ever so white, perfectly cut, in its newly designed box. We loaded it and off we went. We set up our booth and arranged our produce as best we could. Front and center, GARLIC. Immediately people began approaching our booth wanting to know the type, kind, the size, the packing, netting, the available varieties. "Can we do four loads a week?", asked a robust gentleman with dark hair and a heavy accent. I didn't understand the hype around it. All I knew was that these people really wanted our garlic. I was embarrassed at my lack of preparation, and knowledge surrounding this superfood. "Are these 9's?" a silvered-hair gentleman asked. I just kind of stared at him and said, "Ok". "Are these artichoke?" asked another, "No, they're garlic, sir.". I mean, I was way out of my league. Finally, our lead salesman stepped in and saved me from what could've been an even bigger embarrassment.
Upon our return to Arizona, I was in full research mode. I vowed to learn everything there is to know about this highly sought-after treasure. Turns out, it will take me a life time and then some. I did however manage to put together an interesting article of my rookie garlic experience along with a congested list of health benefits. Without further ado, and disregarding this three paragraph intro, lets get started.
- Get sick less- People who take garlic on a daily basis get sick fewer times (common cold or flu) than those who don't. Their symptoms are also less severe and shortened (2.56g per day). Evidenced by a 12 week study by the National Library of Medicine).
- Anti-cancer and CVD properties -Garlic contains Diallyl-sulfide, which is a chemical compound that can be used in the prevention/treatment of cancers and cardio vascular disease.
- Helps improve brain function- Garlic antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative damage. Increased amounts of antioxidants are known to boost brain health and can help prevent onset brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Dementia.
- Promotes a longer life span- Because of garlic's antioxidant properties, garlic has shown its beneficial effects against common diseases in elderly patients.
- Improves physical performance- Did you know that garlic is considered one of the earliest forms of performance enhancing substances? This "substance" was first introduced by the ancient Greeks during the Olympics. Garlic has been linked with reducing fatigue associated with exercise and is known to help reduce your peak heart rate.
- Blood Pressure Reducing Properties- With hypertension and high blood pressure being one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease; such as strokes and heart attacks. High doses of aged garlic extract (600-1500 mg per day or four cloves per day) can greatly reduce hypertension.
- Lowers bad cholesterol levels- Find yourself over the bad cholesterol threshold by 10-15%? You can easily adjust your low density lipo-protein (bad cholesterol) by increasing your garlic intake.
- Blood thinner- When crushed or chopped, garlic releases an enzyme called Allinase that acts on Allin which in turn produces Allicin, which ultimately acts as a blood thinner.
- Digestive benefits- Garlic stimulates your stomach membrane to create more gastric juices aiding in the regularity of bowel movements. Garlic also helps the liver release toxins and protects it.
- Strong Bones- Studies show that two grams of garlic decreased estrogen deficiency. Doctors believe garlic may play an important role in women's skeleto-health and some even believe garlic can help with osteoarthritis.
- Fights fungal infections!- Anti-fungal properties found in garlic can combat disease. All you have to do is apply garlic oil onto the affected area; while eating raw, fresh garlic can prevent reoccurring problems in the future.
- Combats allergies- Along with its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, garlic can help reduce airway inflammation resulting from allergic rhinitis; while minced garlic can be used on rashes, bug bites and other itches.
- Treats toothaches- Garlic oil/ crushed garlic clove has strong antibacterial and analgesic capabilities that aid in temporary pain relief.
As you can see, garlic is a wonderful addition to any diet. The benefits it packs are incredible and out of all the produce Grower Alliance offers, this may be my new fav. Perhaps its because its grown by our owners with their families, making it that much more special. Here's to an amazing garlic season. Until next time.
For more information on our available garlic please contact our sales office at 520-761-1921.
