How often do you eat garlic?

New research shows that garlic is the second most frequently used herb or spice by Australians, where the most frequently used is pepper.

In a recent study, 400 adults were surveyed about their use of herbs and spices in cooking and food preparation. Participants were mainly female and aged between 25-64.

Almost all participants (99.3%) reported using herbs and spices at home or consuming them when eating out over the previous 12-months.

Participants reported consuming 56 different varieties of herbs and spices with the top five most popular being: basil (97.8%); pepper (97.5%), garlic (96.8%), chilli (95.5%) and oregano (95.3%).

Most participants who consumed garlic (either fresh, dried, frozen or in a paste) reported using it 1 – 2 times per day, as part of their lunch or dinner meals.

Where does your garlic come from?

Although most of us use garlic in our cooking, few of us would cook with Australian-grown garlic. Only 23% of fresh garlic available in Australia is grown in Australian soil. The vast majority (77%) of
fresh garlic in Australia is imported, with most of it sourced from China.

Australian garlic is mainly grown in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, with only 2% produced by Western Australian garlic growers.

The best time to source seasonal fresh garlic in Western Australia is between the months of October and February.

The bottom line:

Next time you’re cooking with garlic, consider where your garlic has come from.

Compared to imported garlic, Australian garlic has such a delightful aroma, it has a stronger taste and flavour, and unlike imported garlic it hasn’t been fumigated to prevent the importation of
disease into the country.

By purchasing locally grown garlic you are getting a fresher and more sustainable product. Many small-scale growers in Australia sell direct to consumers through farmers markets and online. Visit
the Australian Garlic Industry Association website to find a grower near you.

References
Wilson NA, Mantzioris E, Villani A. Sensory preferences are important motivators for using herbs and spices: A cross-sectional analysis of Australian adults. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2025;38(1):e13406.
The Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2022/23