Garlic

About

Flavorful Garlic Varieties Available at NatureHills.com Garlic, a flavorful, edible member of the Allium family, is an essential addition to vegetable and kitchen gardens. With its pungent flavor, many culinary uses, and rich health benefits, Garlic is versatile and rewarding to grow! Grocery store varieties are often imported and treated to prevent sprouting. But Garlic bulbs at Nature Hills are untreated and ready to grow. The Basics of Growing Garlic Garlic is typically planted in the fall in most climates. Garlic sets and dormant bulbs mature much faster than planting Garlic from seed. During the cool season, it develops roots, enters dormancy over winter, and then rapidly sprouts in early spring. By summer, it’s ready to harvest, providing delicious bulbs for cooking and preserving. When crushed, peeled, or chewed, Garlic releases allicin , the sulfur compound responsible for its distinctive aroma and robust flavor. The purplish-pink flowers of edible Garlic varieties can rival ornamental Alliums in charm! The bees and butterflies adore them either way! Garlic bulbs are made up of tightly packed cloves encased in papery skins. They can be used fresh, roasted, sautéed, or even eaten raw, depending on your desired flavor intensity. Don’t forget about the edible leaves, scapes, and flowers—they’re just as versatile! Types of Garlic: Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic There are two primary types of Garlic —Hard-neck and Soft-neck. Hardneck Garlic : Known for its large, easy-to-peel cloves and bold flavor, Hardneck Garlic grows a central hard stalk and produces edible scapes. It thrives in colder climates and is ideal for gardeners seeking robust, gourmet varieties. Softneck Garlic : This is the typical grocery store Garlic, featuring a milder flavor and a longer shelf life. It performs best in warmer climates and is excellent for braiding and long-term storage. Elephant Garlic : While not a true Garlic, Elephant Garlic is a type of Leek with massive cloves, large bulbs, a