Garlic in Vietnam, a small yet mighty herb, has been a staple in kitchens around the world for centuries. Beyond its distinctive aroma and flavor, garlic boasts an impressive array of health benefits that have captured the attention of both culinary enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. To learn more about the properties of Garlic as well as its effects, usage, and notes, read more in the article below with agroviet.
Garlic can be used as a seasoning in a dipping sauce mixture, which includes fish sauce, garlic, chili, soy sauce, and sugar. Alternatively, garlic can be evenly mixed with stir-fried vegetables (especially water spinach stir-fry), adding a delightful aromatic touch to the dish.
An overview of garlic.
Garlic is a plant species belonging to the same family as onions, such as spring onions and shallots. Humans have utilized garlic as a seasoning in various dishes and also for medicinal purposes. Garlic falls under the category of herbaceous plants. Its stem is cylindrical, with numerous secondary roots at the bottom and many leaves at the top. The leaves are firm, shaped like strips with longitudinal grooves, and slightly serrated at the edges.
The stem of the plant is green, with flowers growing at the top. The stem grows directly from the bulb, extending straight upwards, also known as the flowering stem, reaching a height of 55 cm. The roots form clusters, and the garlic bulbs grow above the ground, consisting of many small cloves. The most commonly used part of the garlic plant is the bulb.
The garlic bulb consists of multiple cloves. Each clove and the entire bulb are covered by a thin protective skin. These parts are responsible for nutrient synthesis and storage, making them the most vital components of the garlic plant.
Growing garlic is remarkably easy; under favorable weather conditions, it can thrive rapidly, making it accessible for anyone to cultivate. Garlic can be grown in open ground, in containers, or even in gardening pots. It favors warm and humid environments, so it will not sprout if these conditions are met.
How many types of garlic are there? The 6 most popular types of garlic in Vietnam.
Garlic exists in numerous varieties, each showcasing distinct attributes and flavors. The diversity of garlic includes options such as Ly Son Garlic, Purple Stripe Garlic, Spanish Garlic (also known as red garlic), Black Garlic, Purple Garlic, and Lonely Garlic, offering a wide array of choices for culinary endeavors.
Garlic cultivation is remarkably straightforward, leading to its widespread distribution. In Vietnam, there are several well-known garlic cultivation regions, including Ly Son Island, Phan Rang, and Bac Giang. Among them, Ly Son Island stands out as the most renowned area for garlic cultivation.
Differences in soil conditions and farming expertise have given rise to a unique garlic variety found only in this region—the "lonely garlic". This type of garlic distinguishes itself from the usual varieties. Each single bulb of lonely garlic contains only one clove, and its consumption yields a distinctly aromatic scent. Its rarity and distinctive aroma contribute to its significantly higher cost compared to regular garlic.
Phan Rang garlic, on the other hand, thrives in sandy and sunny soil, resulting in smaller but firmer cloves of higher quality compared to garlic grown in other areas.
The Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Garlic.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), garlic is known for its warming and pungent properties. It's believed to help regulate qi (energy flow), disperse stagnant energy, possess antibacterial and detoxifying qualities. Notably, the compound Allicin found in garlic has the ability to inhibit various types of bacteria and disease-causing fungi. Garlic also has diuretic properties due to its fructosan and essential oil content. As a result, traditional medicine often employs garlic to treat conditions such as common colds, amoebic dysentery, bacterial dysentery, indigestion, pustular acne, and intestinal balance. It's also used to combat parasitic worms, particularly pinworms.
In folk remedies, people infuse garlic in alcohol and consume it to address joint pain, joint inflammation, calcification of joints, bone fatigue, bronchitis, throat inflammation, bronchial asthma, indigestion, acid reflux, colitis, gastric ulcers, internal and external hemorrhoids, diabetes, low blood pressure, and high blood pressure.
Garlic is rich in allicin, a natural antibiotic that can effectively combat viruses. Studies have shown that consuming garlic daily can reduce the risk of catching a cold by 63%. Moreover, garlic consumption is linked to a 70% reduction in the duration of cold symptoms, facilitating faster recovery and overall health improvement.
Exports of onions and garlic to China spiked by 19,935%.
Statistical figures indicate that in 2022, Vietnam's export revenue from onions, leeks, and garlic reached approximately $31.2 million, marking a nearly 360% increase compared to 2021. The majority of these exports were directed to Asian markets, accounting for over 90%, followed by the Americas, Europe, and Australia.
Furthermore, onion and garlic exports to Laos surged by 459%, to Germany by 182.6%, and to the UK, Taiwan, and Malaysia by 93.4%, 67.6%, and 53.8% respectively, in comparison to the figures from 2021.
Manufacturers should also emphasize processing to elevate product value, diversify their offerings, and foster strong connections to construct value chains for the industry. Proactive market research, seeking and engaging distribution channels both domestically and internationally, should also be a priority.
The exponential growth in garlic exports, reaching an impressive 360% increase in just a year, showcases the demand for this humble yet powerful ingredient. Vietnam's strategic export approach, targeting primarily Asian markets, followed by expansions into the Americas, Europe, and Australia, demonstrates the nation's adaptability to changing global trade dynamics. The surge in exports to specific countries like Laos, Germany, the UK, Taiwan, and Malaysia is a testament to the quality and allure of Vietnamese garlic. These statistics highlight the growing recognition of Vietnamese garlic in international markets and its ability to meet diverse culinary and medicinal needs. To sustain this success, producers must not only focus on yield but also emphasize value addition through innovative processing and product diversification. Strengthening supply chains, proactive market research, and strategic distribution networks will fortify Vietnam's position as a prominent garlic exporter.
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