The medicinal and fortifying qualities of garlic were recognised by the Greeks and Romans but it became regarded as food for the poor - for those whose work was heavy or for those who were sick. It was shunned by the wealthy - perhaps for the obvious negative effect it had on close physical relationships. Horace, the Roman poet, thought it 'more harmful than hemlock . . . [it] could drive one's lover to refuse to kiss and to retreat to the far side of the bed'. The British, although cautious about its use, were aware of its values and Andrew Boorde, writing in the sixteenth century, states that 'it doth kyll all manner of wormes in a mans bely'. Now that garlic haters are on the wane and garlic bread and curries are daily fare, timid cooks are willing to include more than just the odd clove. This tart is based on the reference by Chaucer to garlic in his prologue to The Canterbury Tales.