Garlic was introduced into the United States in the 1700s, but its popularity did not begin to increase until the 1920s. Garlic is thought to have originated in the regions of central Asia and historically was used for medicinal purposes. Today, garlic is valued more for its flavoring and used in a wide variety of foods, although it is often still thought to possess medicinal qualities. In the United States, California is the major garlic producing state followed by Oregon and Nevada. The two most prevalent varieties grown commercially are California Early and California Late. January 2006 . . . Garlic