By Kristin Graves

October is often dominated by pumpkins but there is another vegetable that deserves a bit of the spotlight at this time of year: garlic!

Garlic, said to be one of the oldest cultivated crops, is a bulb deeply rooted in folklore. For centuries, there have been countless legends passed from one generation to another with a common theme of garlic being a powerful ward against evil. Naturally, when it comes to hearing stories about garlic, most of us likely envision fanged beings with long black capes being repelled by the pungent cloves. It’s almost an automatic association, vampires and garlic!

With Halloween just around the corner I find that I am drawn to stories of monsters and other spooky delights. Vampires have and likely always will be a popular fad; from readers of Dracula to those of us who are a part of the Twilight era, people are fascinated with the dark and mysterious bloodsuckers. If you’ve ever paid attention to the popular lore, you are probably well aware that vamps hate garlic, which is more than enough to convince me that I could never make it as a member of the undead!

So where did the garlicky part of the legend start? 

There are, of course, a few different theories, almost all of which can be traced back to Transylvania (present day Romania).

One theory gives credit to Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1897) in which Van Helsing prescribed garlic flowers to be used to protect the heroine, Lucy, because the Count could not bear the stench. Garlic scapes are the flowering part of the garlic plant. The iconic curly cues have a slightly mellowed garlic flavour, but nonetheless are extremely fragrant!

Another guess at the legend’s origins by some historians is that a lot of vampire “sightings” could potentially be associated to porphyria, a rare blood disease that exhibits symptoms such as a pale complexion and elongated teeth due to shrinking gums. Garlic and sunlight are said to make the symptoms worse so people with the disease often avoid both, only adding to the legend.

The historical region of Romania is also where a softneck garlic variety, Transylvanian garlic, most likely originated. Softneck garlic, known for its pliable stems, is the type of garlic used to make traditional garlic braids. The plaited bulbs were commonly hung in the home as a powerful talisman against demonic forces, protecting all who were surrounded by their fragrant aroma.

It can all be seen as being incredibly superstitious, but believe it or not, there is some truth rooted in the practices. During the time when most of these legends came about, sickness was often seen as the work of evil. It was thought that a vampire’s bite would cause a “blood sickness” resulting in hallucinations, a high fever, and a general wasting or malaise. With our modern knowledge and technology, those same symptoms can also describe many infections, such as tuberculosis or the flu.

Garlic is a natural immune booster, and unbeknownst at the time, could, in fact, aid in healing those illnesses. With more advanced scientific knowledge, we know that the bulbs contain high levels of vitamin C and vitamin B6, as well as manganese. Garlic is widely advertised to be a natural supplement for heart health. The cloves, rich in a sulphur compound called allicin, provide antioxidants that can help our bodies block free radicals and the harm they may cause.  All in all, garlic is a powerful medicinal plant.

At one time, garlic was widely used to safeguard the openings of the home. People would rub cloves of garlic on the chimney or windowsills or grow garlic near doorways. What was once thought to be protection from vampires can now be seen as a useful rodent repellent. Mice and rats shy away from the strong scent of garlic, thus ridding the home from potential disease carriers and overall, creating a healthier living environment.

All folklore gets its start from some kernel of truth, and the lore surrounding garlic is fascinating! Whether it’s out of superstition or simply a love of flavour, I for one am happy to add in a healthy dose of garlic to my autumn meals, if only to keep myself safe during this spooky season!

Join Kristin Graves, fifth-generation farmer in Alberta, Canada, and the author of The Garlic Companion for her upcoming webinar: All About Garlic! on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 1 p.m. Eastern. Our webinars are free to The Herb Society of America members and $7.50 for guests. Become a member today, and enjoy all of our webinars for free along with access to the webinar library with over fifty program titles. To register, visit https://www.herbsociety.org/hsa-learn/herb-education/hsa-webinars/ 

Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Photo Credits: 1) Freshly harvested garlic; 2) Garlic flowers; 3) Garlic with autumn decor; 4) Garlic braid hanging from doorway. All photos courtesy of the author.

Kristin Graves is a fifth-generation farmer in Alberta, Canada, and the author of The Garlic Companion. She started Fifth Gen Gardens in 2017 with a goal to connect people with local, wholesome food. In the years since, her garden has nourished families throughout central Alberta and has provided many ingredients to chefs at local farm to table restaurants. In addition to running her vegetable subscription program, she creates artisanal garlic products using her own farm fresh garlic, placing a heavy emphasis on farm-foraged ingredients.

Kristin is a market gardener, a garlic goddess, and a grain farmer all in one, and is deeply passionate about promoting women in the agricultural field. Her website is https://www.fifthgengardens.ca, and her Instagram handle is @fifthgengardens.