Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family. It's closely related to onions, shallots, and leeks. Each segment of a garlic bulb is called a clove. There are about 10â??20 cloves in a single bulb, give or take. Garlic grows in many parts of the world and is a popular ingredient in cooking due to its strong smell and delicious taste. Currently, garlic is most commonly promoted as a dietary supplement for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, including high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure