This culinary garlic speciality was first produced in France. Traditionally, garlic was only smoked in the most northern French garlic-growing district; smoking it meant it could be stored for long periods. After a while, its smoky flavour came to be appreciated and the garlic was smoked for culinary reasons. Smoked garlic, when added to a dish, produces a hot, savoury, somewhat meaty taste and reinforces the flavour of the dish. Ideal for soups, sauces and vegetarian dishes.