
2 garlic varieties: hardneck garlic and softneck garlic | Their nutrition, vitamins and health benefits Image credit: via Shutterstock
Garlic is an edible bulb plant in the (onion) Allium family used for a variety of purposes. It may be eaten raw, boiled or used to repel negative energies because of its strong, pungent flavour. Known for its aromatic and unique taste, garlic is composed of small individual cloves, and has tons of health benefits.
Now, today in this article we shall extensively discuss the ‘2 garlic varieties: Hardneck garlic, softneck garlic | Their Nutrients and health benefits.’
* Types of garlic varieties and their health benefits
There are many varieties of garlic, but we are going to discuss the two most common ones being softneck garlic and hardneck garlic. Now, here below are some details about these types:
1. Softneck Garlic:
Used in a wide range of culinary dishes, softneck garlic, Allium Sativum var. Sativum is a variety of garlic that is known for its flexible neck or stem which doesn’t produce hard central stalk like other varieties of garlic. Softneck garlic, as opposed to hardneck garlic, is easily found in the grocery stores or supermarkets. It naturally has milder flavour and has a long shelf span, can be stored over a longer time, with the result that this variety is more preferred to other varieties.
Note: Artichoke is not included as part of these varieties belonging to the onion family except Silverskin, although they are all used for cooking. They are separate plants with different flavours.
Silverskin and artichoke are like subtypes of garlic, and they are sometimes grouped under vegetables but only garlic and Silverskin remain part of the onion family and are distinct from each other.
Take home Summary/ features of softneck garlic for student researchers:
*Softneck garlic
.Softneck garlic has a longer storage time compared to hardneck garlic.
. Softneck garlic is often grown in milder climates, and is well-adaptive to a wind range of regions.
.It’s universal, easily found in the grocery stores, and used in cooking various delicacies or dishes.
.slightly sweet and less pungent, softneck garlic has a milder flavour compared to hardneck garlic.
.Softneck garlic has the highest number counts of cloves, ranging from about 12 to 20 cloves
.It has some flexible, soft stalk, too.
2. Hardneck Garlic:
Hardneck garlic is a variety of garlic which grows through the centre of the bulbs , and unusually has longer individual cloves unlike the softneck.
.It grows in colder climates, the moderate summer and cold winter areas or regions like Asia, Europe and north America.
.It has a sturdy stem (the scape) that moves upward from the bulb.
.More cold-hardy than the softneck, and is usually a great choice for people living in the winter regions.
.Hardneck garlic has a shorter life span.
.Hardneck garlic is more preferred when roasted, due to its healthy, sweet flavour.
.It’s seasonal: hardneck garlic is planted around September to December, and harvested late summer.
Overall health benefits of garlic
Hardneck garlic, like softneck garlic, provides your body with a wide range of health benefits when incorporated into your daily meals.
And Some of the health benefits associated with both varieties of garlic include:
1. Immune System improvement and support :
Garlic is generally believed to have some immune-boosting properties that may help your body fight common illnesses such as colds and sore throats, improving your overall immune function.
2.Prevention of Cancer:
Regularly consumption of Garlic, according to some research studies, may be associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, particularly of those affecting the digestive system
such as colorectal and stomach cancers.
3. Body Detoxification:
With the potency to act as a body detoxifier, Garlic may help your body to remove toxic chemicals and waste products.
4.Antioxidant:
Garlic may help your body prevent oxidative damage due to the antioxidant properties contained in it. One of these important properties such as allicin, plays a good role in offering you body anti-aging nutrients and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
5.Healthy bones:
According to some studies, garlic may support bone health. And by increasing estrogen levels in females, garlic can also be beneficial for bone density.
6. Good choice for Healthy heart:
Garlic, both softneck and hardneck varieties, is known for its potential to improve heart health. It may help reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
7. Rich in Anti-Inflammatory properties:
Softneck garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, so reducing it can be beneficial.
Disclaimer:
All knowledge provided within this subject is merely for educational and further research purposes, and is not in any intended to serve as an established medical advice:
If you have health conditions seek medical expert advice for issues within the sole knowledge of medical professionals. Most of the information contained here, although to an extent proven to be fact as varied from individual experiences, are argued for further research and accurate data support.