National Garlic Day (April 19)
Check out the weird holiday National Garlic Day on April 19. Learn the history of National Garlic Day, and get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on April 19 is National Garlic Day. Check out the other weird March holidays!
National Garlic Day, celebrated annually on April 19th, is a delightful culinary holiday that pays homage to the aromatic and versatile herb – garlic. Known for its robust flavor, rich history, and numerous health benefits, garlic has been cherished by cultures worldwide for thousands of years.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of garlic, its culinary uses, its role in health and wellness, and ways to celebrate this flavorful day.
When is National Garlic Day?
National Garlic Day is celebrated every year on April 19th.
Who Invented National Garlic Day?
National Garlic Day, like many food-themed holidays, is not attributed to a specific individual or organization.
Instead, it likely originated organically as a way for garlic enthusiasts and food lovers to celebrate and appreciate this versatile herb. Over time, it gained recognition and popularity, becoming an unofficial holiday observed by people who enjoy the culinary and health benefits of garlic.
National Garlic Day not an officially recognized national holiday in the United States but is rather a fun and flavorful observance embraced by those who love garlic in their dishes.
The Rich History of Garlic
Garlic’s history is as robust as its flavor. This humble herb has been an essential ingredient in cuisines, a potent remedy in medicine, and even a symbol of protection against evil spirits. Here’s a glimpse into its storied past:
1. Ancient Roots:
- Garlic’s origins trace back to Central Asia, where it is believed to have been cultivated over 5,000 years ago. It then spread to Egypt, where it was consumed by laborers building the pyramids, and throughout the ancient world.
2. Cultural Significance:
- Garlic has held a significant place in various cultures. In ancient Egypt, it was so highly regarded that it was placed in the tombs of pharaohs to accompany them to the afterlife. In Hinduism and Buddhism, garlic was often avoided due to its pungent odor, while in European folklore, it was used to ward off vampires and evil spirits.
3. Medicinal Uses:
- Garlic has a long history as a medicinal herb. Ancient Greek physicians, including Hippocrates, used it to treat a variety of ailments. Garlic’s antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties have made it a valuable remedy in traditional medicine worldwide.
4. Culinary Evolution:
- Garlic’s culinary use has evolved over the centuries. It is a staple in cuisines around the world, from Italian and French to Asian and Middle Eastern. Its unique flavor enhances countless dishes, from pasta sauces to stir-fries and soups.
Garlic in the Modern Culinary World
Garlic’s versatility in the kitchen is unparalleled. Its distinct flavor can range from mild and sweet when roasted to sharp and spicy when raw. Here are some popular culinary uses of garlic:
1. Flavor Enhancer:
- Garlic is a quintessential ingredient for adding depth and complexity to dishes. It serves as a flavor enhancer in soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.
2. Roasted Garlic:
- Roasting garlic transforms its pungent flavor into a sweet and creamy essence. Roasted garlic cloves can be spread on bread, mixed into mashed potatoes, or blended into salad dressings.
3. Garlic Butter:
- Garlic-infused butter is a luxurious treat. It’s perfect for basting grilled meats, drizzling over vegetables, or slathering on crusty bread.
4. Garlic in Ethnic Cuisines:
- Garlic takes center stage in various ethnic cuisines. In Italian dishes like pasta and bruschetta, it’s celebrated for its robust flavor. Asian cuisine, too, relies on garlic for stir-fries, curries, and dipping sauces.
5. Pickled Garlic:
- Pickled garlic offers a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. It’s a popular addition to antipasto platters and complements cheeses and charcuterie.
6. Garlic as a Condiment:
- Garlic can be turned into condiments like aioli and tzatziki, adding creaminess and flavor to sandwiches, kebabs, and more.
7. Garlic Bread:
- Garlic bread, often made with butter, minced garlic, and herbs, is a beloved side dish or appetizer that accompanies pasta, pizza, and soups.
Health and Wellness Benefits of Garlic
Beyond its culinary appeal, garlic is renowned for its numerous health benefits. It has been studied extensively for its potential positive effects on various aspects of well-being:
1. Heart Health:
- Garlic is associated with improved cardiovascular health. It may help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and prevent the formation of blood clots.
2. Immune System Support:
- Garlic’s antiviral and antibacterial properties may aid in boosting the immune system and reducing the severity and duration of colds and flu.
3. Antioxidant Properties:
- Garlic contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
- Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in conditions like osteoarthritis.
5. Cancer Prevention:
- Some studies suggest that garlic consumption is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, particularly those affecting the digestive system.
6. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties:
- Garlic’s natural compounds have potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may help combat infections.
Ways to Celebrate National Garlic Day
National Garlic Day is the perfect occasion to embrace this versatile herb and enjoy its culinary and health benefits. Here are some delightful ways to celebrate:
1. Cook a Garlic-Centric Meal:
- Prepare a delicious meal that highlights garlic as a central ingredient. Garlic-infused pasta, garlic shrimp, or garlic roasted vegetables are excellent choices.
2. Visit a Garlic Festival:
- If there’s a garlic festival happening in your region, attend it to sample a variety of garlic-inspired dishes and products.
3. Try Different Garlic Varieties:
- Explore the world of garlic by trying different varieties such as elephant garlic, black garlic, or wild garlic. Each offers unique flavors and culinary possibilities.
4. Plant Your Own Garlic:
- Consider planting garlic in your garden or even in pots if you have limited space. Growing your own garlic allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown flavors.
5. Share Garlic Recipes:
- Exchange your favorite garlic recipes with friends and family. Discover new ways to incorporate this flavorful herb into your meals.
6. Learn About Garlic’s Health Benefits:
- Take some time to research and appreciate the health benefits of garlic. Share this knowledge with others who might benefit from its properties.
7. Host a Garlic Tasting:
- Organize a garlic tasting event with friends, featuring various garlic varieties and dishes. Compare their flavors and discuss your favorites.
8. Experiment with Garlic Desserts:
- Push the boundaries of garlic in the kitchen by trying garlic-infused desserts like garlic ice cream or garlic chocolate truffles. You might be pleasantly surprised!
National Garlic Day is a celebration of one of the world’s most beloved and versatile herbs. Its rich history, culinary diversity, and health benefits make garlic a cherished ingredient in kitchens across the globe. On this special day, take the opportunity to explore the countless culinary delights and wellness advantages that garlic offers.
So, whether you’re savoring a garlic-laden meal, planting cloves in your garden, or sharing garlic-inspired recipes, make April 19th a day to embrace the flavorful and healthful world of garlic.
Ideas for National Garlic Day
Quick & EASY Garlic Relish Recipe - Stinking Rose Restaurant Copycat!
Calling all garlic lovers! Whether you spread it on a sandwich, dip warm bread into it or use it to top a steak, this Garlic Relish is full of garlicky flavor and perfect for National Garlic Day!
Garlic Lemon Asparagus
With a modern twist, Garlic Lemon Asparagus adds a touch of complex flavor to this classic dish. Perfect to serve with many dinners – from fancy holidays to family gatherings, including those on National Garlic Day!
Air Fryer Garlic Knot Recipe + Video
This garlic knot recipe makes tender, flaky bites that are bursting with flavor. For National Garlic Day, make a batch of scrumptious garlic knots in the air fryer in only 20 minutes!!
Chicken Kyiv Stuffed with Garlic Butter
Chicken Kyiv is an iconic dish featuring a breaded stuffed chicken breast that should burst with herby garlic butter when it is cut open. Perfect for National Garlic Day!
No-Knead Roasted Garlic Focaccia with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Homemade focaccia might sound complicated, but it couldn’t be easier thanks to this no knead technique. On National Garlic Day, try this recipe for no-knead roasted garlic focaccia with sun-dried tomatoes to enjoy freshly baked bread!
Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod
Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod is light, flaky and tender. This cod is made in a skillet and pan fried with garlic and butter until there is a crispy outer skin. You will love how easy this comes together for National Garlic Day!
Garlic Butter Cajun Seafood Boil Sauce
Garlic Butter Seafood Boil Sauce made with butter, garlic, onions, and lots of herbs and spices! The perfect sauce to dip or drench all of that delicious seafood in on National Garlic Day.
Smoked Garlic Recipe (2 Ingredients)
This easy smoked garlic recipe creates buttery soft cloves with a mellow and caramelized flavor. It's a delicious smoky twist to roasted garlic for National Garlic Day. Smoked garlic is easy to make and easy to use.
Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)
There’s nothing quite like the audible sizzle of this tapas dish when it arrives on your table on National Garlic Day.
Garlic Bread Spread - Bites with Bri
This easy Garlic Bread Spread is cheesy, buttery, and extremely spreadable. Load it up on your favorite bread and you have the perfect garlic bread recipe, a great side dish to any National Garlic Day dinner.
Garlic Risotto
This Garlic Risotto is the ultimate creamy delicious dinner—and it’s vegan! Made to be the star of the show for National Garlic Day (but also works as a fabulous side dish), this garlic herb risotto is ready in 25-30 minutes and is packed with flavor!
Garlic Roasted Potatoes | Make the Best Crispy Roast Potatoes
Garlic roasted potatoes are crisp on the outside, fluffy and creamy on the inside, and super easy to prepare, making it a perfect side dish for any meal or as a finger food for your National Garlic Day party!
Oven Roasted Garlic Appetizer
Here’s a recipe for an oven roasted garlic appetizer featuring soft, mellow, golden garlic cloves roasted with olive oil on warm Focaccia bread. Simple for National Garlic Day and popular with your friends.
Easy Garlic Kebab Sauce
Garlic Kebab Sauce is so easy to make at home for National Garlic Day. With only 5 ingredients this delicious creamy garlicky sauce is ready in just minutes. Serve this Greek garlic sauce slathered over beef kafta, hot doner, Greek chicken or even as a simple salad dressing.
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pimento Cheese Grits
If there is a single dish Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding Lowcountry is best known for, it’s shrimp and grits. This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pimento Cheese Grits is a regional favorite - give it a try on National Garlic Day!
15-Minute Greek Yogurt Pasta with Garlic
This Greek Yogurt Pasta is a quick, easy, and frugal dish for National Garlic Day. The unexpected use of Greek yogurt makes this much healthier than pasta with a heavy cream sauce. It’s simple to make, but loaded with flavor – the kids love it!
Elephant Garlic Pasta (Pici all'Aglione)
For National Garlic Day, go out and get some elephant garlic known as ‘aglione’ and some Tuscan pici pasta. These two foods are the main ingredients in this fabulous traditional dish, pici all’aglione, an elephant garlic pasta recipe that you can find on the table in Tuscan homes and restaurants whilst aglione is in season.
Garlic Butter Green Beans (with parmesan)
Sauteed green beans tossed in delicious garlic butter and parmesan – Yum! These garlic butter green beans are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish recipe for National Garlic Day that everybody will be begging for seconds of.
Julia Childs Garlic Soup
This French garlic soup is so comforting and tasty for National Garlic Day. At first glance, it may seem like just vegetable soup, but it is much more than that.
Garlic Dill Pickles
Made with herby fresh dill, pickling spices, and plenty of garlic cloves, a batch of homemade Garlic Dill Pickles is the tangy, crunchy snack for National Garlic Day you’ve been waiting for!
Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks
Wanting to enjoy some garlic for National Garlic Day but skip the meat? Give these roasted cabbage steaks a try with a head of garlic!
Spicy Pickled Garlic (Tiktok Copycat)
The spicy pickled garlic was a tiktok viral. Try it out on National Garlic Day and get hooked on it!
Garlic Chili Oil
There are some condiments that always make any dish you add it to better. A drizzle of spicy oil loaded with crispy garlic chips and pepper takes your favorite meals from good to sublime on National Garlic Day. Ready in just 10 minutes this Garlic Chili Oil is delicious, versatile and easy to make.
Italian Garlic Herb Parker Dinner Rolls
Tender and fluffy Italian Garlic Herb Parker Dinner Rolls are the best side dish for any National Garlic Day meal.
Smoked Garlic - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, EASY
Smoking garlic adds a whole new complexity of flavor. Add smoked garlic to any dish on National Garlic Day that you want a bold flavor and prepare to be amazed.
5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce
You're going to love the easy of this creamy garlic sauce! It's a simple National Garlic Day topping for chicken, pasta, and more!
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe | Garlic Prawns - Cook with Kushi
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and easy-to-make shrimp recipe for National Garlic Day with an amazing flavor combination of garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon (lime). This garlic prawn is ready in less than 25 minutes.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender and juicy and packed with flavor. And they're done in just 15 minutes, so they're perfect for a quick and easy National Garlic Day dinner!
Sopa de Ajo (Spanish Garlic Soup)
Sopa de ajo is Spanish comfort food at its best. It’s a garlic and bread soup that is super comforting and a delicious way to warm you up on National Garlic Day.
Smoked Garlic
Smoked garlic is an incredibly easy, 2 ingredient recipe for your smoker. Use this smoked garlic recipe on National Garlic Day to transform your garlic to mellow, smoky, garlicky perfection.
Oil and Garlic Spaghetti Recipe (Spaghetti Aglio e Olio)
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, as it is traditionally known, is a classic Italian simple dish that combines the bold flavors of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and red pepper flakes into something special for National Garlic Day.
Spicy Roasted Garlic Hummus Recipe {Smooth & Creamy!}
This healthy homemade spicy garlic hummus made with canned chickpeas makes for a delicious dip or spread that’s so easy to prepare for National Garlic Day! Infused with flavours of roasted garlic, tahini, lemon and spicy red pepper flakes, this creamy hummus recipe is a great option for quick and easy meals and healthy snacks!
Easy Garlic Confit Recipe
This easy Garlic Confit recipe is a wonderful way to add flavor to your meals on National Garlic Day. And it's as easy as roasting the garlic in olive oil in the oven.
Garlic Butter Sauce with Steak
This mouthwatering 5-ingredient Garlic Butter Sauce takes just minutes to whip together and tastes amazing with all your National Garlic Day dinner favorites, including shrimp, chicken, veggies, and, of course, steak!
How to Make Garlic Powder in the Oven
Make homemade garlic powder on National Garlic Day by slicing garlic cloves thinly and baking them in the oven until they’re crisp. Grind the garlic slices into a smooth powder using a coffee or spice grinder. You will love this DIY garlic powder recipe which tastes so much better than store-bought!
Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Clove Chicken
Instant Pot creamy garlic clove chicken turns a few simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner for National Garlic Day. This tasty meal is packed with flavor!
Fermented Garlic and Honey
Make this easy fermented garlic and honey preserve (also called “honey garlic”) on National Garlic Day for flavorful meals and some immunity boosting in one jar.
Marinated Garlic... two ways
Here are two versions of marinated garlic for National Garlic Day: Herb & Spice Marinated Garlic and Japanese-style Soy-Miso Marinated Garlic.
40 Cloves of Garlic Soup
This simple vegetarian soup bursts with garlic, both roasted and simmered. It's a satisfying, bold soup equally worthy of kicking off a fancy dinner party for National Garlic Day or completing a quiet, cozy evening at home by the fire. Oh, and it will probably also help you ward off vampires. Bonus!
Roasted Garlic Spinach Artichoke Dip
Creamy, warm, cheesy, and garlicky, this Roasted Garlic Spinach-Artichoke Dip is so good that you’re going to need to keep a close eye on the dip bowl on National Garlic Day.
Garlic Smoothie [For Colds And Flu]
Smoothies are good for you when sick, that includes stomach bugs and colds, and flu. But garlic especially is wonderful for fighting colds. Try it out on National Garlic Day!
Easy Vegan Garlic Aioli
An easy recipe for 3-ingredient, super garlicky, shortcut vegan aioli that comes together in just 5-minutes! It's the perfect sandwich spread and dip on National Garlic Day for your favourite veggies and finger foods.
Dill-icious Garlic Scape Relish
Garlic Scape Relish is made with fresh early summer garden grown garlic scapes for National Garlic Day. With just the right amount of vinegar and a touch of dill, it’s perfect on hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and mixed into macaroni salad.
Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
This easy Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings recipe is the perfect alternative is the perfect dinner for National Garlic Day! They are delicious, less expensive, and more convenient than traveling to Buffalo Wild Wings, or any other restaurant that sells your favorite wings.
Easy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is an easy way to get creamy restaurant-style mashed potatoes for National Garlic Day with the fragrant flavor of garlic. Garlic-infused melted butter and sour cream are added to the potatoes for a decadent side dish that is perfect to serve during the holidays or with a weeknight dinner.
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
This 5-ingredient Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet recipe is perfect for National Garlic Day. It's dinner made easy in only 15 minutes. Plus, it's mess-free because it uses only one pan. It's also gluten-free, dairy-free, low carb, and pescatarian! It is as delish as our shrimp in coconut sauce!
How to Roast and Preserve Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum), is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and has been grown for over 5000 years. For National Garlic Day, learn how to roast and preserve garlic!
Garlic Mushrooms
This garlic mushrooms recipe (champiñones al ajillo) is a super simple Spanish tapa that’s not only quick to make for National Garlic Day, it’s accidentally vegan!
Whipped Garlic Herb Goat Cheese Dip
Making your own goat cheese dip for National Garlic Day is really easy and the end result is really tasty! This goat cheese olive oil dip is filled with fresh herbs and tasty garlic for one of the tastiest appetizers or starters you could ever want.
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Roasted garlic hummus is an easy appetizer dip that's creamy, flavorful, and perfect for snacking. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, this hummus is perfect for serving a crowd on National Garlic Day.
5-Minute Roasted Garlic Dip
This easy Roasted Garlic Dip is ready in just 5 minutes without any cooking! For National Garlic Day, learn the shortcut for getting that savory roasted garlic flavor without having to roast any garlic!
GARLIC PISTACHIO CRANBERRY TARTS
Garlic pistachio cranberry tarts are rich and colorful pillows of flavor. The perfect appetizer for game day and National Garlic Day.
4-minute Cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Air fryer garlic bread cooks up fast and makes the perfect side dish for any meal on National Garlic Day. This simple recipe does not require any advanced cooking knowledge, so you can indulge in the crusty buttery delight and not have to rely on frozen brands. No one in your family will complain if you decide to serve this tasty air fryer garlic bread with your next meal.
Making Fermented Garlic and Ways to Use It
Garlic is rich in antioxidants, helps to prevent and lessen the duration of the common cold, strengthens the immune system, may slow the development of atherosclerosis, and lower blood pressure. And, umm. It’s delicious! Get healthier for National Garlic Day!
Roasted Garlic In Air Fryer
Roasted garlic in air fryer is so quick and simple to make at home and yields soft, spreadable, aromatic garlic cloves with a mellow flavor. Air fryer roasted garlic will enhance all of your favorite recipes!
Garlic Butter Wings
Crispy garlic butter wings are fantastic for National Garlic Day. Seasoned wings are deep-fried until the skin is crispy and the inside is fall-off-the-bone amazing. They are then tossed in lemon butter sauce loaded with fresh garlic, enough to keep the vampires away.
Smoked Garlic Butter Recipe
Butter on bread is good, but have you tried Smoked Garlic Butter? You don’t even need a smoker to make it for National Garlic Day, just a grill.
Garlic Shots - Immune Boosting Wellness Shots.
These Garlic Shots with honey and lemon juice are a potent combo of ingredients that makes an excellent natural remedy for fighting off colds, flu, and other viral infections. Try them out on Nationa Garlic Day!
Spicy Garlic Chutney for Chaat (Lehsun/Lasoon ki Chutney)
Lehsun/Lasoon ki Chutney or Red Garlic Chutney for chaat is a fiery red spicy and tangy chutney that just uses 5 ingredients including salt and water. Yes, just 5 ingredients, and it can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week. It can be used in many chaats, as a spread, or as an accompaniment to your rotis and flatbreads. Give it a try on National Garlic Day!
Garlic Parmesan Sourdough Bread
Garlic Parmesan Sourdough Bread is filled with nooks and crannies and it’s bursting with flavor from the parmesan and the garlic cloves! The perfect food to bake on National Garlic Day!
Garlic Peanuts
Garlic Peanuts are a delicious snack, salad mix-in or stir-fry addition for National Garlic Day. The roasted peanuts are toasted in olive oil, salted, and mixed with golden garlic, dried chile de Árbol and a bit of earthy, floral chopped rosemary.
40 Clove Garlic Chicken
Make this 40 Clove Garlic Chicken for dinner on National Garlic Day and your family will gobble it up! It may sound like a lot, but 40 Clove Garlic Chicken has the most wonderfully sweet garlic flavor that's not the least bit overpowering.
Super Tasty, Easy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Are A Perfect Appetizer!
These garlic butter mushrooms are so decadently flavorful and are one of the easiest side dishes or appetizers for National Garlic Day you can make! They are savory, caramelized, and packed full of rich, buttery flavor! Just 10 minutes is all you need to saute this amazing dish to perfection!
Roasted Zucchini and Garlic Hummus Spread {like Baba Ganoush}
Roasted Zucchini and Garlic Hummus Spread, reminiscent of Baba Ganoush, is delicious due to its rich and smoky flavor. The roasted zucchini adds a subtle sweetness, while the garlic infuses a delightful kick. Blended into a creamy hummus, it creates a savory and irresistible spread perfect for National Garlic Day.
Wild Garlic Soup - Perfect Soup For Spring
Have you ever eaten garlic soup? Like REAL garlic soup – the kind with wild garlic leaves as well as garlic cloves? Well, for National Garlic Day, prepare your palette for the pleasing punch and wonderful warmth of wild garlic soup.
Fermented garlic honey
Having honey-fermented garlic on hand is a useful example of using food as medicine. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, and honey is a soothing sweetener that makes it more palatable. Learn more for National Garlic Day!
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