The Chemical Causes for the Smell in Garlic
                                
                                
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                                    3 min read                                
                            
                                An estimated 150 million pounds of garlic are consumed annually in the United States, and its pungent aroma is central to its appeal. However, a raw, intact garlic clove has very little scent; its characteristic odor only appears when it is crushed or chopped. This distinctive smell is primarily caused by a chemical compound called allicin, which is created through a fascinating enzymatic reaction.