Lehsun or garlic is one of the most versatile ingredients that has been part of the Indian kitchen for ages. Call it a vegetable, herb, or spice, garlic owns it all.  People around the world use garlic in different ways to add aroma, and taste to food or to enhance their overall health. 

India is the second leading producer of garlic. Different cuisines use garlic in different forms. To cater to all, different varieties of garlic are cultivated. Some varieties are more pungent while others are slightly sweeter.

A rare, single clove variety known as Ek pothi lehsun or Kashmiri garlic is world-known for its exceptional purity and health benefits. Ideally cultivated in the foothills of the Himalayas, this garlic is loaded with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties.

Through this article, let’s understand the benefits and usage of the best variety of garlic– Kashmiri lehsun, and ways of incorporating it for a healthier lifestyle. 

WHAT IS KASHMIRI GARLIC? WHY IS IT SPECIAL?

People across the world are crazy about Kashmiri garlic! Unlike normal garlic, pearl garlic or Kashmiri lehsun has a single clove. The outer husk is golden brown while the inner husk is shiny white in color. Like a small onion with thin skin, Kashmiri garlic is pretty easy to peel off. With a slightly pungent smell and a mild taste, people find it easy to consume even in raw (minced and crushed) form. 

What makes Kashmiri garlic so special is the allicin content (which makes it abundantly nutritional) and purity (its ability to withstand the intense cold of the high-altitude environment with minimal or no pollution). 

Allicin is an important compound present naturally in garlic. When garlic cloves are chopped or crushed, an enzyme called alliinase gets activated and converts alliin into allicin. It is because of allicin that garlic is pungent and nutritionally dense. 

People across the world are crazy about Kashmiri garlic! Unlike normal garlic, pearl garlic or Kashmiri lehsun has a single clove. The outer husk is golden brown while the inner husk is shiny white in color. Like a small onion with thin skin, Kashmiri garlic is pretty easy to peel off. With a slightly pungent smell and a mild taste, people find it easy to consume even in raw (minced and crushed) form. 

What makes Kashmiri garlic so special is the allicin content (which makes it abundantly nutritional) and purity (its ability to withstand the intense cold of the high-altitude environment with minimal or no pollution). 

Allicin is an important compound present naturally in garlic. When garlic cloves are chopped or crushed, an enzyme called alliinase gets activated and converts alliin into allicin. It is because of allicin that garlic is pungent and nutritionally dense. 

Research studies state that snow mountain garlic or Kashmiri garlic is up to 7 times more potent than regular garlic. This means it has more allicin and more nutrients in it. However, the taste yet remains less pungent as compared to normal garlic.

cultivation of kashmir garlic or lehsun

HEALTH BENEFITS OF KASHMIRI GARLIC

Kashmiri lahsun is named Russian penicillin, This itself symbolizes the innumerable health benefits it holds to offer. Here’s a list of some of the well-researched potent benefits of consuming Kashmir garlic daily

1. Garlic for Cholesterol

Kashmiri lehsun is counted among the most potent ingredient for controlling high cholesterol levels. Allicin present in Kashmiri garlic naturally prevents the formation of blood clots and plaque, keeping the blood flow smooth. Plus, it is loaded with powerful antioxidants that cleanse and detox the body. Both of which works at reducing and controlling high blood cholesterol (LDL) level. 

2. Garlic for Cough and Cold

Cure from sore throat, cold, and cough is another remarkable benefit of consuming Kashmiri garlic. Being naturally rich in phytonutrients and immunity-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and zinc, Kashmiri garlic works at boosting immunity. Plus, it also releases heat into the body. This helps keep the body warm, relieving cold, cough, and congestion. 

3. Garlic for Immunity

If you are looking for an immunity booster that can work wonders for you, Kashmiri garlic is what you need to trust. Loaded with a rich combination of about 20 phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties, Kashmiri lehsun works at building and boosting the body’s resistance to diseases by repairing damaged DNA- which is the root cause of infections, fevers, and illness. 

4. Garlic for Arthritis and Knee Pain

Kashmiri lahsun is a boon for those dealing with conditions like knee pain, osteoarthritis, joint stiffness, inflammation, or immobility. Along with healing and anti-inflammatory properties, Diallyl disulfide is an important compound present in garlic. This is because of this compound that garlic is proven to support bone and joint health. Diallyl disulfide works at naturally maintaining bone density and delaying the onset of joint-related complaints.

5. Garlic for Blood Pressure

The formation of excessive stickiness (plaque) in the blood exerts a force pushing against the artery walls leading to high blood pressure. This condition can further worsen and lead to cardiac complaints. Antioxidants and Allicin present in garlic reduce this stickiness naturally by lowering the oxidative stress in the body. This helps keep the heart active and healthy. 

BEST WAY TO CONSUME KASHMIRI GARLIC FOR MAXIMUM BENEFITS

The best way to consume Kashmiri garlic is as suggested by various nutrition researchers and ayurvedic practitioners. For optimum benefits, it is suggested to eat the pods raw or after crushing, preferably first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, followed by a glass of lukewarm water. 

Experts also suggest being mindful while peeling Kashmiri lahsun. Any contact with the metallic surface or a metal knife can bring down its nutritional efficacy. Hence to keep its nutrients intact, it’s best to use a wooden/stone mortar and pestle.

varieties of mortar and pestle material recommended to crush garlic

FAQS

1. How to use Kashmiri garlic daily?

For therapeutic benefits, Kashmiri lahsun should be eaten raw- peeled and chopped. However, if it’s inconvenient, then the easiest way is to add Kashmiri garlic to the food while cooking. This will not only enhance the overall taste of the food but will improve its digestibility.

2. Does Kashmiri garlic lead to gas/flatulence? 

The sulfur compound present in garlic results in gas and bloating. However, in Kashmiri garlic, the acidity compound is present in lesser amounts. Hence the chances of bloating or flatulence are extremely low. 

3. How can I use Kashmiri garlic for weight loss

The easiest way to use garlic for weight loss benefits is to consume it raw in the morning. Another way is you can chop and mince the garlic into a fine paste, and add it to a glass of lemon-squeezed lukewarm water for weight loss benefits.

4. Can I consume Kashmiri garlic in raw form during pregnancy?

Kashmiri garlic is an elixir for health and is generally marked safe during pregnancy. However, over-intake can lead to certain complications. Hence, it’s recommended to consult a nutrition expert before starting with Kashmiri garlic during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

5. Is ‘Rouhan’ the same as Kashmiri garlic?

Yes. Kashmiri Garlic is locally called ‘Rouhan’. While some of the other interesting names for Kashmiri Garlic include Snow Garlic and Himalayan Single Clove Garlic

Summary

For thousands of years, garlic has been used as a flavoring ingredient in food and an important herb for health benefits. Harvested once a year, Kashmiri garlic is one of the most potent varieties of garlic across the world. From boosting immunity to protecting the heart against stroke, single clove Himalayan garlic can cater to all. 

Coming straight from the lap of nature, Kashmiri garlic is the real ‘superfood’. Incorporating it into the diet regularly can provide enormous health benefits to people of all ages for a healthy life.