Tracing where something originated is a difficult task. Finding out where a particular food dish originated is much more difficult because of centuries of migrating populations.
Garlic is one such spice. Garlic has taken a firm place in almost all cuisines across the world. It is an inalienable part of Italian cuisine and is found in almost all of Indian curries. It is equally popular in East Asia and in Polish and Ukranian food.
Where did it come from? Was it always available at all these locations? Or did it travel from some one specific location like Black Pepper, which is attributed to the Malabar coast of India.
You will find these and many more questions answered in Ontario Garlic: The Story from Farm to Festival. Author Peter McClusky traces the roots, literally and figuratively, of how Garlic took a firm place in Canada and how it traveled across the world.
Peter McClusky returned to his roots and became a Garlic farmer after several years in Marketing in Newy York. He is an active member of Ontario Garlic Grower’s Association and has started the Ontario Garlic Festival.
Ontario Garlic: The Story from Farm to Festival
Author: Peter McClusky Pages: 176 Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (June 29, 2015) ISBN: 1626199205, 978-1626199200
I remember, Garlic always being a part of Indian cuisine. But it was not as ubiquitous in everyday meals as it is today. Not every vegetable or Daal cooked in out kitchen included Garlic, growing up.
But its place in Western cooking was much more scarce than ever in India and Asia. Garlic was always seen as Onion’s smelly cousin and shunned by every traditional cook in the West.
Mostly associated with immigrants, Garlic was not easily accepted and considered suitable only to the palate of the poor and unsophisticated.
It is amazing how adoption of something in our society and life depends on the overall image and its acceptance by those deemed educated, or from a privileged background.
Whatever the reasons, Garlic didn’t have it easy. And Garlic’s journey from an obscure, disliked spice to being a most likable flavor across continents makes an interesting read.
In Ontario Garlic: The Story from Farm to Festival, the author also shares tips on how to grow your own garlic in your kitchen garden or in containers. After reading so much about Garlic, it is natural if you feel like cooking something garlicy. Not to worry, the author shares some select recipes from Soups to Desserts so that you can start experimenting with your taste buds.