Stinking rose

Posted by ESC September 12, 2003In reply to Stinking rose posted by ed on September 11, 2003

where did this nickname for garlic come from

I couldn't find anything in my references but I did find this online:

Garlic is called the stinking rose because of its bud-like appearance and strong smell. Allium sativum is a member of the lily family. It is related to leeks, chives, onions and shallots. The bulb grows underground.
www.islandscene.com/ food/2001/010404/garlic/

Another site said the Romans first called it "the stinking rose."