Why Are Koreans Crazy About Garlic
The Love for Garlic in Korea
BBC MasterChef's main host, John Torode, once remarked that he ate more garlic during his visit to Korea than he had in his entire life.
He even showed a handful of garlic, explaining that what Koreans consider "a little" is actually quite a lot.
Garlic Consumption
In fact, Korean per capita annual garlic consumption ranks first in the world. This country even cultivates “elephant garlic,” which is 10 times larger than regular garlic.
The Mythical Origins
But when did Koreans start their love affair with garlic?
According to a famous Korean myth, a long time ago, a god from the sky descended to the human world. A bear and a tiger asked this god to make them human. The god told them they could become human if they survived 100 days in a cave eating only mugwort and garlic. Only the bear succeeded and became human.
Dangun: The Garlic Connection
The bear-turned-human married the god and had a son, Dangun, who is considered the ancestor of Koreans. Thus, the joke is that Koreans started as a people of garlic from the very beginning with Dangun.
A Nation of Garlic
So, if Korea is a nation of garlic, what about your country?
The love for garlic in Korea is deeply rooted in both history and culture. From ancient myths to its staple presence in modern Korean cuisine, garlic has a special place in the hearts of Koreans. As we explore these cultural nuances, we gain a deeper appreciation for the flavors and traditions that define a nation.
Keywords: Korean garlic consumption, John Torode, BBC MasterChef, elephant garlic, Korean myth, Dangun, garlic in Korean cuisine, per capita garlic consumption, Korean culinary traditions, cultural significance of garlic.
