What Causes the ‘Smell’ of Garlic and Why Does It Linger?

Garlic smells because it has special chemicals inside called sulfur compounds. When you crush or cut garlic, these chemicals are released and start to work their magic. They stick to your skin and clothes like glue, which is why the smell lingers for a long time.

When you chop up garlic, it makes the cells inside break open. This lets out allicin, one of the main chemicals responsible for garlic’s strong smell. Allicin loves to stick around and can even travel through your body, which is why it stays on your breath and skin long after you stop cooking.