Today’s word of the day from Dictionary.com stems from the Latin “allium” meaning “garlic”. An adjective, alliaceous is a botanical term that can be used to describe plants of the allium genus or the pungent aroma wafting from things alliaceous.  An expanded definition from Collins English Dictionary states:

1. of or relating to Allium, a genus of plants that have a strong onion or garlic smell and often have bulbs: family Alliaceae. The genus occurs in the N hemisphere and includes onion, garlic, leek, chive, and shallot
2. tasting or smelling like garlic or onions
3. of, relating to, or belonging to the Alliaceae, a family of flowering plants that includes the genus Allium

Delicious garlic infused pasta is a tempting aromatic dish, but something happens once it hits our tongue, rendering us unapproachable, victims of “garlic breath”. Still, I have to admit I can’t resist these savory roots: onions, garlic, shallots, chives, leeks. They add wonderful flavor and character to the food that we hate to love. The best way to have your alliaceous favorites and eat them too, is to invite a friend to join you. Amazingly, in this case, two offenses really do make it right. You’ve heard the saying…(well maybe not, but here goes)…”Friends don’t let friends eat garlic alone!” Good advice for the next time you have a hankering for something garlicky.

Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

Alliaceous Haiku

From halitosis
gourmets smell atrocious
hints, alliaceous.

Alliaceous plants
are prized as medicinal
not for their odor!

Fend off friends and fiends
donning alliaceous bulbs,
nature’s repellent.

From nana’s kitchen…
tempting alliaceous scents
must be pasta night!

kat ~ 17 June 2016