Garlic eaters

Monday 16 October 2000 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Buckingham Palace has let it be known to the chefs at Rome's Quirinale Palace, where the Queen and Prince Philip are staying during their visit to the Holy City, that they should hold back on the garlic in preparing the Royal dishes. This quaint reminder of the pre-Elizabeth David diets of post-war Britain - when foreigners were still pilloried as garlic eaters - has almost an antique charm, bringing back those pre-supermarket winters when the only green vegetables on sale were Brussels sprouts.

Buckingham Palace has let it be known to the chefs at Rome's Quirinale Palace, where the Queen and Prince Philip are staying during their visit to the Holy City, that they should hold back on the garlic in preparing the Royal dishes. This quaint reminder of the pre-Elizabeth David diets of post-war Britain - when foreigners were still pilloried as garlic eaters - has almost an antique charm, bringing back those pre-supermarket winters when the only green vegetables on sale were Brussels sprouts.

That the British palate - with the apparent exception of the Royal Family's - has now expanded to embrace the whole world of edible foodstuffs is a source of many innocent pleasures. And garlic, that simple but ancient bulbous annual, is a stimulating example. For consider, not only has it been in culinary use since at least 2600BC (in ancient Egyptian recipes), but it has medicinal uses as well. It has been used to treat wounds, infections, tumours and intestinal parasites. Modern science has shown garlic to have many preventative properties: it reduces cholesterol, stimulates the immune system, clears mucus from the lungs, and prevents dysentery. And, most delightfully, that pungent odour awakens the desire for a good glass of wine on the side.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in