Society garlic

Tulbaghia violacea

herb · flower

Flat leaves and mauve flowers with a mild garlic taste, snipped like chives; the flowers decorate salads.

Origin

South Africa

Where to find it

In the Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, it is planted everywhere as edging, and cooks snip its leaves; in Europe, it is sold in nurseries.

Season (United States)

May to October

Preparation

The leaves are cut an inch or so above the ground, and they grow back; they are eaten raw, and the flowers are pulled from their stems.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Lutein and zeaxanthin · Allium sulfur compounds · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

Its name is said to come from the fact that you can eat it in company: it doesn't leave garlic breath.