National Garlic Day

National Garlic Day celebrates garlic’s bold flavor, culinary versatility, and long history as an ingredient used in cuisines around the world. The bulb—also known as the “stinking rose”—belongs to the Allium genus, alongside onions, leeks, shallots, and chives. Garlic originated in Central Asia and has been used as food and medicine for thousands of years; ancient Egyptians, for example, used it as a food flavoring and in traditional medicine.The USDA notes that garlic is a vegetable commonly used to add flavor, while the University of Missouri describes its long culinary and medicinal history.

The origin of the holiday itself is unclear. One account credits Christopher Ranch with establishing National Garlic Day in 1989, while Holiday Insights says its research found no creator or documented origin. Regardless of how it began, April 19 offers a flavorful excuse to appreciate garlic in its many forms, from fresh and minced to roasted and cooked into sauces, breads, vegetables, and other savory dishes.

How to Observe National Garlic Day

Celebrate by cooking a dish that puts garlic in the spotlight. Roast a bulb, add fresh cloves to a favorite recipe, or try garlic bread, garlic chicken, or another garlic-centered creation. You can also learn about garlic’s history, plant it in a garden, or look for a local garlic festival if one is available. Share a meal with friends or family and compare everyone’s favorite ways to use this versatile ingredient.

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