Vegetable

Allium sativum

A tier

Allium sativum is cultivated garlic—compound bulbs of cloves wrapped in papery skins, packed with thiosulfinates that deliver raw heat and mellow sweetness when cooked. Hardneck and softneck groups structure most culinary types; clove count, skin colour, and scape production vary. Garlic is a universal savoury primer across continents. Crush or chop to activate flavour; cook in fat as a base, roast whole heads until spreadable, or pickle. Burned garlic turns bitter—manage heat. Store cured bulbs cool and dry, not refrigerated sealed.