Garlic is an herb. It has best been known as a flavoring for food. But it has also been used as medicine for over a 1000 years. There are over 300 varieties of garlic worldwide. California grows 90% of garlic that is sold in the US. Garlic cloves are best stored in cool dark place and not refrigerated. However, the convenient jars of chopped garlic must be refrigerated when opened and used quickly to protect the garlics benefits.
Garlic is a rich phytochemical and delivers potential cholesterol and cancer fighting characteristics. Evidence also suggests that garlic may slightly lower blood pressure. A little garlic goes a long way; it adds flavor and only 13 calories for 3 cloves.