AJO CROPS: FOOD AND MEDICINE
Hello friends of Steemit in this opportunity I am going to talk about garlic, which is a sulfur compound that stimulates the production of antioxidant enzymes that fight cancer and infections by viruses and bacteria; In turn, it boosts the immune system and is a great bactericide, which helps prevent infections.
There is a variety of this bulb, whose differences lie in the shape, color and whether garlic is fresh or not. The most predominant are the whites and reds, but all, regardless of the type that is consumed, have healing virtues. The more tender and clear the garlic is, the more pleasant and soft its flavor will be. Large, intact heads with silky skin are preferable; the green germ that is in the center of each tooth must be removed, because it is indigestible.
In ancient Greek and Roman times it was consumed by soldiers, navigators and peasants, as it was attributed fortifying characteristics. The gladiators, due to the exciting properties of the rise of the libido, were therapeutic faithful, to fight bacterial diseases. During the First World War, it was used as an external antiseptic to disinfect wounds and according to urban legends, people used the vegetable to ward off bad energies and even vampires; that is why it is common to see in movies and stories how the protagonists used bunches of garlic in their homes. Superstitious or not, at present garlic is still praised all over the world for the diversity of benefits it has.
Garlic is grown directly to the soil. This needs a soil that has good drainage and full sun, it must be cultivated between the end of August and the end of September. The garlic seed is the same clove of garlic, we must select a garlic of good size, that does not exceed 10 teeth per head. If our seed or tooth has a large size, it will produce a good size garlic at harvest.
If the soil in the orchard is very light it is recommended to add a layer of manure or a good compost. If we want to plant garlic in a flowerpot, just add a good amount of compost in it.
The distance between sowing is 10-15 cm between each one and we can carry out the sowing in furrows or near sowing.
The garlic bulbs or also called "teeth" are planted directly on the ground. They should be inserted in holes 2.5 cm deep. You have to put your teeth with the pointed edge looking towards the sky.
Garlic is planted in the spring, to harvest in the fall. We can plant garlic also in Autumn, this will allow us to have garlic all year round, but for this we depend on a variety that can resist the cold or that we live in a place where the winter is not very strong.
The garlic plant loves the sun. If possible it is recommended to plant in a place of plenty of sun, both in the space of the garden and where we put the pot.
The garlic plant likes moist soils, which is why it is recommended to water with a frequency that allows the soil to always be moist. Be careful as the lack of moisture can make the garlic grow very small. But excess moisture can promote the appearance of diseases.
They are torn when the leaves of the plant have withered. They are left to dry in the sun for a few days, then braided. The braid is hung in a dry and airy place, this will help the preservation of the garlic.
HARVEST AND STORAGE
The harvest is made 4-5 months after sowing, when ¾ parts of the plant have a yellow color. Stop watering the garlic two weeks before harvest, this helps drying and cleaning. To harvest the garlic take the leaves and remove the plant completely. Sometimes the bulbs are very rooted and at the time of harvesting the leaves are separated from the bulb, loosen a little the earth around to avoid it.
After harvesting it must be cured for 4-5 days, this means you must leave your garlic in a dry place to lose moisture. Separate 2 or 3 garlics of good quality and size as seed for the next season.
Pests and diseases, tips for their management
Water is a very important factor in the cultivation of garlic, excess water or humidity favors the development of the fungus Phytophthora infestans, causing damage to the leaves, stems and bulb.
Tinea garlic is a small larva that opens galleries in the bulbs and leaves. For its control, observe the appearance of eggs on the back of the leaves and eliminate them.
Natural repellents based on garlic
Garlic is a natural repellent used in organic agriculture, many of the extracts are made with it. Here are some recipes for making your own repellents.
Garlic and chili repellent
This repellent is broad spectrum, so it can be used for pests such as aphids, larvae and other chewing insects.
Ingredients:
1 medium garlic
1 spicy chile
1 glass jar
Alcohol
Water
preparation:
Peel the cloves of garlic, cut them in half and place them in the jar. Do the same with chili.
Fill half of the bottle with alcohol and the other half with water.
Close the bottle and label it, put the date and ingredients. Let stand in a cool place without direct light for a month.
Application: Dilute the repellent 1:10 with water and apply to your plants in the afternoon.
- Prevents the flu and the cold
It is proven that garlic is very effective in preventing and combating viruses and bacteria by its enzymes, minerals, vitamin C, antioxidant properties and a special antibacterial component, allicin.
Therefore, not only acts as a natural antibiotic, but also as decongestant and expectorant. It is precisely because of allicin that it is necessary to take raw garlic, because it is a very unstable component and loses its beneficial properties at high temperatures. - Improves circulation
The anticoagulant and vasodilator effect of garlic, which helps to improve circulation, is also due to allicin and vitamin B. These two components increase blood flow and relaxation of blood vessels. By improving the flow of blood, it also helps prevent blood clots or damage to blood vessels, which must be in good condition to fulfill its function of regulating blood flow. - Help lose weight: the benefits of garlic to lose weight
As we have already said, garlic helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels, two important factors to lose weight, in addition to reducing blood sugar levels.
- Anticancer
The benefits of garlic are not limited to fighting viruses and bacteria, but also to diseases such as cancer. The star element that gives garlic many of its beneficial effects, allicin, also has its function to prevent cancer, especially cancer of the stomach, esophagus, colon and prostate. - More beautiful and healthier skin
As in the case of the properties of the lemon, among the numerous benefits of garlic is also its ability to improve the health of the skin. The secret lies in its antioxidant power, which facilitates the process of cleaning and repairing the skin. It also helps to regenerate the tissues, keeping the skin much younger and with a softer appearance.
http://www.huertodeurbano.com/como-cultivar/ajo/
https://viaorganica.org/cultiva-ajo-en-casa/
http://www.panorama.com.ve/facetas/-Estos-son-los-5-mejores-beneficios-del-ajo-para-la-salud-20180305-0019.html
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