Garlic is a bulbous plant widely used as a flavoring ingredient in cooking across the globe. It belongs to the Allium family, related to onions, leeks, and chives. The garlic bulb consists of several individual cloves covered by a thin, papery skin. It has a strong, pungent aroma and a distinctive spicy, savory taste that mellows and sweetens when cooked. Garlic is valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its potential health benefits, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used fresh, powdered, minced, or as garlic oil in a variety of dishes, sauces, and marinades.
