Garlic scion, also known as garlic bolt, is crispy, tender, and delicious. In addition to its tempting texture, it is a rare antibacterial vegetable in the spring. According to Professor Chen Ruifang, director of the Health Care Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, garlic scion is the flower bolt of garlic that has bolted, and it is a by-product of garlic that is left with its head. Eating more garlic scion during this season helps to kill bacteria and prevent the flu.
功效：生吃蒜苗有较强的辛辣味，陈瑞芳指出，这种味道来自其所含的一种重要物质——辣素。现代医学研究表明，蒜苗中的辣素对病原菌和寄生虫有很强的“杀伤力”，其杀菌能力甚至可达到青霉素的十分之一，在一定程度上有助于应对这个时节因病毒引起的流感。辣素还具有醒脾胃和消积食的作用，并有助于防止伤口感染，对治疗感染性疾病也有一定的功效。
选购：选购时先观察其枝条，以粗壮鲜嫩且柔软者为好。再看两头：基部最好无明显的老化纤维，顶部的薹苞要结实、未开花。
烹炒：烹炒时不宜过烂，以免破坏其所含辣素的功效，使其杀菌作用下降。
提醒：肠胃积热、大便秘结、口腔溃疡者少食，烦躁失眠者晚餐不食。（作者：翁淑贤）