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Garlic has been a staple in kitchens worldwide, valued for its distinct flavor and numerous health benefits. As we explore the different types of garlic, we’ll uncover both common and rare varieties, each with unique characteristics that make them special. Whether you’re a home cook or a gardening enthusiast, understanding these varieties can enhance your culinary and growing experiences.
From robust hardneck types to versatile softneck varieties, our list includes garlic that will suit every taste and need. We aim to provide insights into the flavors, uses, and growing conditions of each type, offering a comprehensive guide for garlic lovers and growers alike.
1. Chesnok Red
Chesnok Red is a hardneck garlic variety from the Republic of Georgia. It belongs to the Purple Stripe family. This garlic is known for its beautiful purple-striped bulbs.
We find Chesnok Red to be hardy and robust, thriving in both northern and southern climates. It produces large bulbs with 8 to 20 cloves each.
The cloves of Chesnok Red are colorful, skinny, and lighter compared to other garlic varieties. This variety stores well and retains its medium-hot flavor, making it ideal for cooking and baking.
2. Music Garlic
Music Garlic is known for its large, easy-to-peel cloves. Each bulb usually has 4-6 cloves, making it convenient for cooking. This garlic variety offers a strong, spicy flavor that mellows when cooked.
We find that Music Garlic is perfect for roasting and sautéing. It’s also a favorite for making garlic bread due to its bold taste.
Growing Music Garlic is relatively simple. It can be planted in containers or directly in the garden. This variety is hardy and adapts well to different climates.
For those who love garlic but dislike the peeling process, Music Garlic is an excellent choice. The large cloves save time and effort in meal preparation.
3. Elephant Garlic
Elephant Garlic, scientifically known as Allium ampeloprasum, is a giant perennial plant. Despite its name, it is closely related to leeks rather than true garlic. This variety is notable for its large size, often producing cloves that are much bigger than those of regular garlic. Each bulb can weigh up to a pound.
Flavor-wise, Elephant Garlic has a much milder taste compared to traditional garlic. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a less pungent garlic flavor. The plant also has broad, flat leaves and a tall flowering stalk. It thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sun.
Popular uses for Elephant Garlic include roasting, adding to soups, or using raw in salads. Its mild flavor and large cloves make it a versatile addition to many dishes.
4. Spanish Roja
Spanish Roja is a gourmet heirloom variety known for its authentic garlic flavor. This type of garlic has been grown in North America since the late 1800s, making it a popular choice for chefs and home cooks alike.
One of the main attractions of Spanish Roja is its spicy bite. Its cloves are easy to peel, which is a great advantage in the kitchen.
Spanish Roja garlic is also rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains Vitamin C, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Additionally, the allicin in this garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
To grow Spanish Roja, it’s essential to plant it in sandy loam or loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture. This ensures healthy and robust garlic bulbs.
5. Susanville
Susanville garlic is a softneck variety known for its mild flavor. This kind of garlic is favored for its versatility in cooking. It matures in about 6-8 months, which makes it a good choice for gardeners looking for a reliable crop.
The bulbs of Susanville garlic are typically medium-sized. Each bulb contains about 10-15 cloves. This variety is also appreciated for its ability to store well, lasting around 6-7 months under proper conditions.
Susanville garlic thrives in a wide range of climates, making it suitable for zones 2-10. This adaptability makes it a popular option for many garlic growers. It is also an early harvest variety, allowing us to enjoy our garlic sooner in the season.
6. Inchelium Red
Inchelium Red is a noteworthy variety of garlic, known for its softneck type. It takes up to 210 days to mature and grows to about 12-18 inches tall.
This garlic variety boasts large bulbs with a typical spread of 6-9 inches wide. Each bulb usually contains between 12-20 cloves.
Inchelium Red’s flavor is mild yet robust, making it versatile in many dishes. Its softneck nature helps it store well for 6-9 months if properly cured.
After harvesting, we should place the garlic in a warm, dry area with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks. This ensures proper curing. Once cured, trim the roots and stalks and brush off any remaining soil for the best storage results.
7. Georgian Crystal
Georgian Crystal is a popular variety of garlic known for its mild flavor. It belongs to the Porcelain family of garlic and is highly regarded for its taste. This garlic produces large bulbs with 4-6 big cloves. The large size and ease of peeling make it a favorite for both cooking and growing.
It is very cold hardy, making it suitable for colder climates. Interestingly, some growers have reported that it also performs well in warmer climates.
The cloves have a buttery texture when cooked, adding a rich, smooth flavor to dishes. It’s a versatile garlic variety that works well in recipes like roasted meats, sautés, and garlic bread.
High yields make Georgian Crystal a good choice for home gardeners and commercial growers alike. This variety stands out for its unique characteristics in both appearance and taste.
8. Kettle River Giant
Kettle River Giant garlic is a rare heirloom variety. This cultivar was found in the Pacific Northwest near the Kettle River in the 20th century. It’s known for its large size and robust flavor. The bulbs are quite big, sometimes reaching up to 4 inches across. Each bulb has 10 to 14 cream-colored cloves covered in beige-white wrappers with pink overtones.
This garlic is an artichoke type, which means it has multiple layers of cloves. It has a sweet yet pungent taste, making it an excellent choice for many dishes.
Our farm is proud to grow and sell this unique variety. It thrives in the cool climate of the Kettle River region, proving to be a favorite among garlic lovers.
9. Italian Purple
Italian Purple is a noteworthy Rocambole garlic variety. It has a rich and robust flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the taste buds. This type of garlic offers a deep, enriching taste experience, ideal for those who appreciate strong, but not overly spicy, garlic.
The bulbs of Italian Purple are generally large and can mature to an even bigger size. This variety doesn’t burn the tongue unless it’s too mature, making it a reliable choice for cooking.
We find Italian Purple to be both flavorful and versatile. Its notable taste can stand on its own in simple dishes or complement more complex recipes. This garlic’s flavor lasts, making it a favorite among garlic lovers who enjoy a lingering, savory finish.
10. Purple Stripe
Purple Stripe garlic is one of the oldest types of garlic. It’s part of the hardneck family and has a strong connection to the original garlic species.
We notice its beautiful purple striping on the bulb wrappers and clove skins. This variety stands out in the garden and kitchen.
Purple Stripe garlic is known for its sweet, rich flavor. Chefs and home cooks love it for both raw eating and roasting.
Growing Purple Stripe involves planting cloves in well-drained soil with good sunlight. Proper care ensures a healthy crop with large, tasty bulbs.
11. Russian Red
Russian Red is a standout hardneck garlic variety. It’s known for its robust, medium-hot flavor. We find it has a rich, musky taste when eaten raw. The cloves are easy to peel and have a brownish-purplish tint, making them distinctive.
This garlic thrives in colder climates, especially in northern states and Canada. It produces large bulbs with 6-8 cloves, which are perfect for cooking.
Russian Red’s bulb wrappers are often a striking purple. This adds an attractive feature to this flavorful garlic. It’s a favorite among those who appreciate true garlic flavor.
12. Polish Hardneck
Polish Hardneck garlic is a striking heirloom variety known for its purple-streaked wrappers. This hardy variety produces tall, impressive plants with large, healthy bulbs. It’s a vigorous grower and a reliable choice for many gardeners.
We appreciate Polish Hardneck for its rich, robust, and complex flavor. It’s a garlic lover’s favorite, offering a deep, satisfying taste that enhances many dishes. This variety thrives in various climates, displaying great adaptability.
When grown, Polish Hardneck shows its hardiness, often doing well in both the colder northern regions and warmer southern areas. Planting in the fall and harvesting in the summer allows it to develop fully. This makes it an excellent option for our autumn gardens.
13. Korean Red
Korean Red is a type of hardneck garlic. Known for its fiery, intense flavor, this variety is native to Korea. It has a bright red color due to high levels of anthocyanin.
We often use Korean Red in Korean cuisine. It adds heat and strong flavor to dishes like kimchi. The bulbs are usually jumbo-sized, making them easy to work with.
Korean Red is also a vigorous grower. It thrives in many US regions and produces large, dark green foliage. This garlic is not only flavorful but also visually appealing in the garden with its bold colors.
14. Persian Star
Persian Star garlic, also known as Samarkand, is a type of hardneck garlic. It stands out because of its medium-hot, sweet, and complex cloves. The name “hardneck” comes from the stiff stem, or scape, that grows from the bulb.
This garlic variety is known for its vivid purple stripes and large, easy-to-peel cloves. Many growers and cooks favor it because of its rich taste and striking color.
We find that Persian Star garlic does well in various climates and provides a strong, enjoyable flavor. It’s not just about looks; the taste is quite impressive too, making it a versatile choice in the kitchen.
Growing Garlic at Home
Garlic is a versatile and rewarding crop to grow in your garden. To ensure a bountiful harvest, focus on soil preparation, proper planting techniques, and timely harvesting.
Soil Preparation
Garlic thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. To prepare, we should start by removing weeds and breaking up the soil with a garden fork or tiller.
Incorporate 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. It’s beneficial to conduct a soil test to determine if we need to adjust the pH with lime or sulfur. Healthy soil is key to growing large, flavorful bulbs.
Planting Techniques
Garlic is typically planted in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. Separate the bulbs into individual cloves, but don’t peel them.
Plant the cloves 2 inches deep with the pointed end up, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Cover them with soil and then a layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves, to help insulate them through winter.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the growing season.
Harvesting Tips
Garlic is ready to harvest in mid to late summer when the lower leaves have turned brown but the upper leaves are still green.
To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork, being careful not to damage them. Lift each bulb out of the ground and brush off the excess soil.
Cure the garlic by hanging it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for about two weeks. Once cured, trim the roots and cut the stalks down to about an inch above the bulb. Store the bulbs in a cool, dark, and dry place to enjoy them for months to come.
