Living in the Land of Maneul

It’s all about garlic. Koreans love their garlic, or maneul (마늘). Whether minced, pickled, roasted, added to soups, stews, or kimchi, cooked on a grill with meat, or served raw - they love it raw - it’s a part of every meal.

And that makes me happy. I also love garlic, lots of garlic.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed a sudden influx of the quintessential Korean ingredient. It’s garlic harvest time on the peninsula. Trucks, carts, and stalls loaded with wonderful, huge, aromatic fresh bulbs are everywhere. The scent of garlic permeates our local market making everything smell like, well . . . garlic. No complaints from me.

I’ve been told that Korea consumes more garlic per capita than any other country.

But more than Italy? Not sure who to believe but it doesn’t really matter. I’m living in country of maneul lovers.

A country that honors a vegetable - it’s in the onion and shallot family - that’s so much more than just an underground root-like, “bulbish” plant. It’s a superfood. A healthy, magical (ok, slight exaggeration) culinary delight enjoyed around the world.

Koreans have garlic festivals, garlic restaurants, garlic drinks, cured garlic (called black garlic), and in 2000 they even had a “Great Garlic War.” Thankfully the trade dispute with China ended peacefully, but tension still remains. Koreans are serious about their garlic. And they like it homegrown.

So, the next time you enjoy a tasty clove of garlic or smell the fragrant vegetable cooking in your local restaurant, think about Korea and start planning your trip to the ROK. You won’t regret it.