Bad Breath, Great Taste, Good Nutrition

CELEBRATE SEPT. 7 AT ANNUAL GARLIC FESTIVAL

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Nutritional value and medicinal benefits from sulfur-containing compounds called thiosulfonates made garlic one of the most valued plants in ancient times. Those same compounds can cause garlic to give the eater bad breath too.

Everything about garlic, including its powerful smell, will be discussed, explained and celebrated as part of University of Missouri Extension’s “Fourth Annual Garlic Festival” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sept. 7 at the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic, Springfield, Mo.

The workshop will include presentations by Patrick Byers, a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist, Kelly McGowan, a horticulture educator with MU Extension, and Dr. Pam Duitsman, a nutrition specialist with MU Extension.

Garlic production including how to choose the best garlic strain, planting and caring for garlic, and the harvest and storage of garlic — will be addressed in presentations. There will also be a presentation on the health benefits of garlic.

Data will also be presented on the performance of 32 garlic strains in southwest Missouri and the evening will conclude with a garlic tasting. There will also be several different strains of garlic for sale in time for fall planting.

There is a cost of $10 per person for the program. Advanced registration is needed and can be done online, in person at the Greene County Extension, or by sending a check by mail to Greene County Extension at 2400 S. Scenic Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807. A registration form and the online ticket option can be found at extension. missouri.edu/greene.