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Garlic's Superpower: Why Does Its Smell Last All Day?
Garlic, an ancient condiment, is not only loved by people for its unique flavor, but also famous for its lasting smell. Garlic is omnipresent in both Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. However, how long the scent lasts has aroused people's curiosity. Why is it that some people can still smell the strong odor of garlic the next day after eating just a small clove?
"Garlic's smell comes from the sulfur compounds inside it, which not only give garlic its unique taste, but also serve as part of its defense mechanism."
Chemical composition of garlic
The smell of garlic mainly comes from its unique chemical composition. When garlic is fresh or broken, it releases a variety of sulfur-containing compounds, including allicin, ajoene and polysulfides. When garlic cells are damaged, the enzymes inside the cells promote the decomposition of sulfur compounds, forming a unique smell and spiciness.
"Compounds like allicin are only released when plant cells are damaged, which is why garlic has such a strong flavor when eaten raw or chopped."
To understand why this smell persists, we first need to understand an important component of garlic - allicin. This compound is volatile and once it enters the body, it is metabolized and excreted through the breath and skin. This means that even after consuming garlic, it continues to linger in the body for some time, causing “garlic breath”.
Origin of garlic smell
When garlic cloves are cut or crushed, allicin is released and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it is eventually exhaled as breath. This is one reason why many people notice a persistent body odor after consuming large amounts of garlic. According to research, drinking milk while eating garlic can significantly reduce the taste in the mouth, which makes people pay attention to the science of food matching again.
“The study showed that consuming garlic with milk reduced the duration of the odor, making this dietary combination even more interesting.”
Garlic's History and Cultural Influence
Garlic has a long history as a seasoning, dating back to ancient Egypt and other ancient civilizations. Ancient people recognized its multiple benefits and used it not only in cooking but also believed it had medicinal properties. As time goes by, garlic has become more and more important in different cultures and has become the soul of every dish. This also explains why its smell often brings unique emotional memories to people.
"Garlic is not only a condiment, but also a part of human culture for thousands of years and is closely related to food."
Garlic cultivation and production
China is the world's largest garlic farmer, accounting for 73% of the global production in 2021. Behind this astonishing number is the careful cultivation of garlic variety diversity and growing environment. In many parts of the world, garlic has become an almost essential part of agricultural production due to its economic and nutritional value.
In fact, the environment and climate in which garlic grows also have a direct impact on its smell. In some cases, changes in climate and soil quality can alter the concentration of sulfur compounds in garlic, affecting the final aroma and flavor.
Garlic Health Benefits and Side Effects
Aside from its unique smell and taste, garlic is widely believed to help boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of disease. However, the negative effects of its smell, such as bad breath and body odor, have become a focus of attention.
"Although the health benefits of garlic are undeniable, it is worth pondering whether the lingering smell will affect interpersonal relationships."
Conclusion
The unique smell and persistence of garlic add infinite fun and thinking to people's lives. It is a topic worth discussing both from the perspective of cooking and from the perspective of health. In the future, while enjoying the delicious taste of garlic, should we also pay more attention to this fascinating smell and its impact on our lives?
