As Halloween approaches, chefs have unveiled what they claim is the UK’s “most garlicky pizza” to keep vampires at bay. Their hellish recipe includes six garlic cloves, aged black garlic, garlic oil, garlic granules and garlic pesto — enough to repel Count Dracula (and possibly your family and friends).
The idea that garlic repels vampires comes from folklore and historical beliefs that vampirism is caused by diseases including tuberculosis, porphyria and rabies. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and studies have found it may help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.
Limited evidence has suggested that a compound found in garlic, allicin, may boost the immune system and help the body fight off viruses.
The kitchen staple has historically be used in many cultures, particularly in Eastern Europe, to ward off evil spirits and creatures.
Bulbs were hung in windows or placed on doors to keep vampires from entering homes, or even placed inside the mouth or on the body of a diseased person.
The kitchen staple is also featured as a powerful vampire deterrent in Bram Stoke’s Dracula, which sees Professor Van Helsing use garlic flowers for protection.
The Dracula’s Death by Garlic Pizza was made by London firm Freewheelin’ Pizza for the London Dungeon.
The South Bank attraction is launching a new Dracula show on Friday and handing out slices of protective pizza for those brave enough to attend the preview.
A London Dungeon spokesperson said: “The Count has crept into the London Dungeon — and he’s dying to meet our guests this Halloween.
“To keep our guests safe (ish), we’ve conjured up the UK’s most garlicky pizza in partnership with our friends at Freewheelin’ Pizza. It’s terrifyingly tasty, so approach with caution — just like with Dracula himself.”
- The Dracula Halloween show will run from October 18 to November 2.
