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Garlic provides flavor to many favorite recipes, is relatively easy to grow and offers plenty of varieties from which to choose. Garlic, Allium sativum L., is used as a seasoning in many foods worldwide. It isn't considered a major vegetable because consumption is generally small due to its strong flavor. But without garlic, many of our popular dishes would lack the flavor and character that make them favorites. Fortunately, garlic is relatively easy to grow in the home garden. The most difficult decision may be deciding what kind of garlic to plant since there are over 100 cultivars available from specialty suppliers! Garlic is thought to have originated in the same area of central Asia as onions. Like the onion, it has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes throughout history. Modern science has shown that sulfur compounds found in garlic account for many of its healthful properties as well as its distinctive flavor. Scientists continue to study the compounds found in garlic to determine how they function in human health.