Spring also brings wild garlic. Its delicate taste makes it a favorite ingredient of many, and the fact that it is often easily accessible makes it even more attractive.
However, wild garlic is not only a delight for the palate, but also for your health. The wild herb is a real vitamin C bomb and can even help prevent heart disease.
When is wild garlic in season?
Wild garlic, often referred to as wild garlic, is available fresh in many supermarkets and farmers markets during its harvest season. However, it is even more exciting and regional to look for it in the forest or grow it yourself.
The wild garlic season is relatively short and usually begins in April. Depending on the weather, the first tender wild garlic leaves appear as early as March. The wild garlic begins to bloom around May and the harvest season ends.
Where you can find wild garlic
In nature, wild garlic likes to grow in moist deciduous forests. It spreads quickly in suitable locations. Wild garlic can be recognized by its dark green, tapered leaves, white flowers and the distinct smell of garlic.
Caution: Wild garlic can easily be confused with the poisonous plants lily of the valley, autumn crocus and arum. If you have any doubts, you can recognize wild garlic by its intense leek scent. None of the similar plants have such a strong smell of garlic.
This is how you can grow wild garlic yourself
Wild garlic can also be easily grown at home. It’s best to get young plants from specialist retailers, as seeds take 14 months to germinate. The soil should preferably be humus-rich and moist.
The first leaves sprout at the beginning of February. The wild garlic can be harvested until the end of April or mid-May. Don’t forget to wash the leaves thoroughly before cooking with the wild garlic, especially if you have collected it from nature – to protect against the fox tapeworm.
That’s why wild garlic is so healthy
Wild garlic not only enriches dishes with its intense taste, but also supplies the body with important vitamins and minerals.
The herb contains a particularly high amount of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. In fact, the herb has three times as much vitamin C as oranges. Just 67 grams of wild garlic cover an adult’s entire daily vitamin C requirement.
In addition, wild garlic contains a lot of niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin A and vitamin E as well as important minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium.
Wild garlic supports the cardiovascular system
In the Middle Ages, wild garlic was considered to “purify the blood”. Today it has been scientifically proven that wild garlic actually has a positive effect on the flow properties of the blood and lowers blood pressure.
When the plant is chopped up, the amino acid alliin is released. This causes the sulfur-containing alliin to come into contact with the enzyme allinase. This in turn converts the alliin into allicin, which creates the familiar garlic smell.
Allicin has an antibacterial effect. In addition, it can prevent high cholesterol levels and hardening of the arteries. So if you want to prevent heart attacks and strokes, you should eat wild garlic regularly.
One tip: Shortly before flowering, the plant’s sulfur content is highest. So it’s best to collect it before the flowers develop. The sulfur released in wild garlic can even bind pollutants deposited in the connective tissue.
Wild garlic protects against skin diseases
Wild garlic is also known for its healing effects on chronic skin rashes and lichen – this is due to the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Wild garlic can also be used directly on the skin, as it also acts like a natural antibiotic externally. To do this, spread the fresh pressed juice directly onto stubborn eczema or other skin diseases.
Wild garlic is good for the intestines
Wild garlic supports the intestinal flora by fighting harmful bacteria and promoting good bacteria. It helps to restore the natural balance of the intestinal flora. For example, if the intestinal flora is disrupted by antibiotics, wild garlic can help regulate digestion again.
Thanks to the high content of mustard oil glycosides, the herb stimulates the appetite and stimulates digestive juices. This can prevent digestive problems such as bloating and stomach cramps.
Good for the immune system
Thanks to its high vitamin C content and the anti-inflammatory properties caused by the sulfur content of wild garlic, the herb is a good support for the immune system.
Wild garlic is a real chlorophyll miracle
The herb owes its strong green color to its high chlorophyll content. The later in the season you harvest the herb, the more chlorophyll it contains. Chlorophyll promotes the absorption of magnesium and iron, which are also contained in wild garlic.
In addition, chlorophyll has a detoxifying effect. The green plant substance ensures that the cells are optimally supplied with oxygen. Not only does it have a health-promoting effect, but it also fights wrinkles and acne.
For anyone who loves the taste of garlic but wants to avoid the mouth and body breath after consumption, wild garlic is definitely a good alternative. The herb has a similar intense taste to garlic, but does not cause an unpleasant smell.