Nathan's Garlic Available

This year on the farm, Nathan, the youngest member of the family, grew and is selling three varieties of hardneck garlic. Hardneck garlic is known for its stiff, woody center stem. It produces scapes, which are harvested and eaten. Compared to softneck garlic, which has more flexible stems and do not produce scapes. Hardnecks are also hardier in colder climates.

Of the three varieties grown, Music and German White are within a category of hardneck garlic called Porcelain. Porcelains have a medium-to-strong garlic taste and retain their flavor when cooked. They have the highest allicin concentration, the sulfur compound that gives garlic its pungent flavor.

Allicin doesn’t occur naturally in whole garlic cloves. It is created as a chemical defense mechanism when cloves are cut or minced. Cutting garlic into small pieces and letting sit for 15 minutes, will maximize the flavor production in cooking.

The third variety grown, German Red is within a category called Rocambole. Rocamboles have a deeper, more complex flavor profile than Porcelains. Porcelains are better known for their sharper garlic taste.

Whichever flavor profile you prefer, Nathan is selling garlic at the Delhi Farm Market this summer. If you live within the town of Delhi, we will happily deliver large orders.

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