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de Wonder Drug!! n Proud Farmer!, originally uploaded by Naseer Ommer.

Allium sativum L., commonly known as Garlic, is a species in the onion family Alliaceae. Garlic has been used throughout history for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.

Garlic is easy to grow and can be grown year-round in mild climates. In cold climates, cloves can be planted in the ground about six weeks before the soil freezes and harvested in late spring. Garlic plants are not attacked by pests.

China is the largest producer of garlic, with approximately 10.5 billion kilograms (23 billion pounds) annually, accounting for over 77% of world output. India (4.1%) and South Korea (2%) follow, with Russia (1.6%) in fourth place and the United States (where garlic is grown primarily as a cash crop in every state except for Alaska) in fifth place (1.4%).

Garlic's medicinal properties are already proved in folk medicine. The consumption of garlic n smashed or crushed form (without cooking too much) can be effective for fighting cancer & against cholesterol. It has a proven track record as a good anti oxidant. Allicin, a chemical compound present in Garlic has been an effective anti biotic and anti fungal. Apart from all these, its an excellent mosquito repellent.

In Kerala, Munnar in idukki is the only place you can find garlic farming and this beautiful lady was all happy to show n explain us about the Golden wonder.