Why does garlic taste so good?

[jake williams]

Seriously, why is garlic delicious?

[Manic Impressive]

only when cooked and even then too much can spoil a dish

[AnonymousOne]

DID YOU KNOW THAT


The phytochemicals responsible for the sharp flavor of garlic are produced when the plant's cells are damaged. When a cell is broken by chopping, chewing, or crushing, enzymes stored in cell vacuoles trigger the breakdown of several sulfur-containing compounds stored in the cell fluids. The resultant compounds are responsible for the sharp or hot taste and strong smell of garlic. Some of the compounds are unstable and continue to react over time. Among the members of the onion family, garlic has by far the highest concentrations of initial reaction products, making garlic much more potent than onions, shallots, or leeks.[71] Although many humans enjoy the taste of garlic, these compounds are believed to have evolved as a defensive mechanism, deterring animals such as birds, insects, and worms from eating the plant.[72]
A large number of sulfur compounds contribute to the smell and taste of garlic. Diallyl disulfide is believed to be an important odor component. Allicin has been found to be the compound most responsible for the "hot" sensation of raw garlic. This chemical opens thermotransient receptor potential channels that are responsible for the burning sense of heat in foods. The process of cooking garlic removes allicin, thus mellowing its spiciness.[73]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic

NOW YOU KNOW

[jake williams]

DID YOU KNOW THAT

...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic

NOW YOU KNOW
Thanks, but it still doesn't exactly explain why we (at least some of us) find delicious compounds allegedly evolved as a defense mechanism.

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

Thanks, but it still doesn't exactly explain why we (at least some of us) find delicious compounds allegedly evolved as a defense mechanism.

Because they weren't evolved as defence mechanisms against humans; the quote mentions birds, insects and worms. Not to mention that on top of natural selection, humans have been selectively breeding garlic, doubtless influencing the taste in the process.

[Susurrus]

Possibly because, due to it repulsing animals, it was a viable food source for humans due to its abundance.

[Jose Gracchus]

More curious is why we enjoy eating chili peppers containing capsaicin, which was deliberately and selectively evolved by the fruits to dissuade mammals in particular from ingesting the pepper (because our digestion systems destroy the seeds, thus our shitting wouldn't help spread the plant, unlike reptile and bird consumption).

[AnonymousOne]

Thanks, but it still doesn't exactly explain why we (at least some of us) find delicious compounds allegedly evolved as a defense mechanism.

Can't do Comrade, the best I could give you would be idle speculation.

[Decolonize The Left]

I just chopped up round 15 cloves of garlic, well, slivered actually. I will use one third with a roast chicken, the other third with roast potatoes/yams/carrots/onions, and the final third with sauteed chard with chilis.

I don't know why garlic is delicious. I just found it interesting that I just finished prepping massive amounts of this deliciousness and then I read this thread.

- August

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

More curious is why we enjoy eating chili peppers containing capsaicin, which was deliberately and selectively evolved by the fruits to dissuade mammals in particular from ingesting the pepper (because our digestion systems destroy the seeds, thus our shitting wouldn't help spread the plant, unlike reptile and bird consumption).

Well, not all humans enjoy spicy food, and those that do will breed and propagate stuff like chilli peppers, helping their survival.

If I remember correctly, a similar explanation exists for cannabis - the cannabinoids originally served the function of protecting the plant from excessive water loss in the hot and dry conditions of their native habitats. Humans then selected them for greater THC content and potency.

I think such phenomena illustrate that functions can evolve that benefit the propagation of the species as a whole while still being detrimental to the individual organism. Plants I reckon are especially prone to this because of their sessile nature, lego-like genetics, and low metabolic requirements.

[S.Artesian]

More curious is why we enjoy eating chili peppers containing capsaicin, which was deliberately and selectively evolved by the fruits to dissuade mammals in particular from ingesting the pepper (because our digestion systems destroy the seeds, thus our shitting wouldn't help spread the plant, unlike reptile and bird consumption).

That's known-- because the response in our brain is a veritable flood of endorphins.

And I disagree, garlic is delicious when uncooked, and it's tough to have too much.

[Nox]

Ewwww garlic! Gross! :thumbup1:

[Dr Mindbender]

Raw garlic is awful but garlic butter is delicious.

Anyone that eats straight raw garlic cloves is a nutter, its too overpowering.

[S.Artesian]

I don't trust anyone who doesn't like raw garlic, especially those who call those that do enjoy raw garlic "nutters." Obviously such persons have no sense of taste, smell, food, enjoyment of eating, life in general, and have added all the adventure in their life pounded out of them due to spending too much time in cold, damp, climes.

[Rafiq]

Man, humans are badass. Damn plant tryin' to defend itself from us mammals, YOU'LL SEE

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

Raw garlic is nothing compared to pickled chillis, which I have been known to eat as a snack. Don't get me wrong, it makes an excellent stuffing for olives, but I think describing people who eat raw garlic as "nutters" is more on the side of hyperbole than anything else.

Another great thing about garlic that it's an antiseptic, although topical use will sting a bit.

[piet11111]

I love sambal the hotter the better.

[S.Artesian]

Yes, sambal's good stuff. As is harissa. Nothing says "love," however, like habaneros.

[piet11111]

You also eat it out of the jar ?

[o well this is ok I guess]

You guys ever had that black garlic stuff?
It's like bitter candy.

[Rusty Shackleford]

You love it because you are not a vampire.

[S.Artesian]

You can, but I wouldn't advise it.

[Wanted Man]

I like how easy it is to conserve. It drives the point home by being potentially deadly if you decide to do something stupid like conserve it in oil without precautions.

Anyway, I don't know why it's so good. I like all onions and all peppers and I use them accordingly.

[Ocean Seal]

Material conditions