Laraway is now the perfect
destination in case of a Vampire apocalypse. Students from our School and
Backpack programs harvested over 400 bulbs from the garden during week 4 of
summer program. While the garlic scapes were a treat themselves, they were only
a preview to the possibilities of the garlic bulb.
Garlic may be well known for its ability to fend off
Dracula, but it has actually been used medicinally and spiritually for
thousands of years. In many cultures it was considered an apotropaic symbol
meant to deter evil spirits, and was displayed in windows, doors, or as part of
shrines. Besides being known for its strong presence (it’s also known to ward
off deer, insects and a variety of pests as well), garlic has been associated
with having a variety of biological effects (besides terrible breath). Garlic
is high in nutrients & antioxidants but low in calories and is known to boost
the immune system, lower blood pressure, help fight off Alzheimer’s disease, improve
cholesterol levels and remove heavy metals from the body. It was even used
during the World Wars as an antiseptic!
While
we won’t be using the Laraway Garden garlic on any open wounds, it will find
many different uses. Most of the garlic is being cured in preparation for future
kitchen use while roughly 135 bulbs will be used as seeds for next season and
to hand out at the recognition ceremonies for Backpack and School, marking the
end of our summer program. Slightly immature and damaged bulbs have also been
put aside for pickling for storage next to the green beans and scapes. We can tell you how they come out in a couple weeks, but you may want to listen from a few feet away.
Submitted by Hannah Bober, VYDC AmeriCorps State member
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