ORIENTAL GARLIC, OR ALLIUM TUBEROSUM

Family: Amaryllidaceae.

Latin name: Allium Tuberosum.

Other common names: Asian chives, garlic chives, Chinese leek, Chinese chives, Jiu Cai Zi.

Oriental Garlic, or Allium Tuberosum, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It grows from a little, oblong, firm, fibroid bulbs that originate from a rhizome. The plant may reach up to 50 cm in height. It produces about 2-5 fragrant, narrow, grass-like, green or greyish-green leaves (20-50 cm long) that arch down. When crushed, the leaves have a strong garlic or onion aroma. The white flowers grow in globose umbels on flowering stems that are about 25-60 cm tall. The bulbs are covered with a white pellicle and grow at the base of the plant. Oriental garlic can be evergreen in warmer climates.

Chemical Composition of Allium Tuberosum

• Vitamins A, C, E, K, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, folates
• Minerals (copper, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus)
• Phyto-nutrients
• Protein
• Dietary fiber