Garlic Mustard

Alliaria Petiolata is the botanical name for garlic mustard. The plant is also called by other names like garlic root, hedge garlic or poor man’s mustard. It is a flowering plant and belongs to the mustard family (brassicaceae).  The plant has originated from Europe, African regions of morocco, Iberia, Central and western Asia. It also has roots in north eastern part of India. The name Alliara has resemblance with Allium meaning garlic as the plant has a garlic like odor of the leaves.

Culinary uses

• The leaves of the plant are used to flavor salads.
• They are also used to makes sauces similar to pesto.
• The seeds of the plant are used to season dishes as it has a blended flavor of both mustard as well as garlic.

Nutritive and Health Facts

• The leave and the stem are used for preventive treatments in asthama.
• It has antiseptic properties.
• It is used to treat bronchitis and eczema.