Metechi Garlic (lb)

• Very strong, hot garlic
• Grows larger than other garlics
• 5-7 large cloves per bulb
• Thick bulb wrapper, white on outer layers, with almost solid purple striping on its innermost layers
• Easy to grow, easy to peel
• Matures later and stores well for a hardneck
• 2" and larger diameter bulbs
• Approximately 4-5 bulbs per pound
• Grown in Canada

Unveiling the Strength and Flavor of Metechi Garlic

Metechi garlic is a hardneck variety known for its robust flavor, vigorous growth, and excellent storage capabilities. This garlic type features marbled purple stripes and originates from the Republic of Georgia, making it particularly well-suited for colder climates. Celebrated for its great bulbs and fat cloves, it thrives when growing garlic in early summer. Its strong flavor and reliable performance, characteristic of allium sativum, make it a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.

Characteristics of Metechi Garlic

It is easily identifiable by its large bulbs, which contain 6-10 plump cloves. This hardneck garlic features cloves encased in thick, purple-striped skins, giving them a distinctive and appealing appearance. Each bulb is wrapped in multiple layers of vibrant purple and white outer skins, making it one of the most visually striking garlic varieties available, with great bulbs that stand out in any garden.

One of the most notable features of this garlic is its strong, hot flavor. This variety offers a bold, spicy taste with a warm kick, ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced garlic presence in their dishes. The flavor profile of it is often described as sharp and intense, making it a preferred choice for adding zest to a wide range of culinary creations.

Flavor and Aroma Profile of Metechi Garlic

Flavor Profile: This garlic stands out with its robust flavor, delivering a fiery hot and sharp bite that's perfect for bold culinary creations. Each bulb boasts large, spicy cloves with a distinctive marbled purple stripe, making it a visually appealing and flavorful choice. Ideal for both raw and cooked dishes, it is easy to peel, long-storing, and provides a robust taste that enhances any meal.

Aroma Profile: It releases a fiery hot and robust aroma with a sharp bite that sets it apart from other varieties. The cloves, with their distinctive marbled purple stripe, emit a potent, spicy scent that lingers, making it an ideal choice for both raw and cooked dishes. Known for its long storing ability and easy-to-peel bulbs, this garlic's rich aroma enhances its appeal, especially when planted in the fall and harvested in mid-October.

Pairing Recommendations

Food Pairings: Metechi garlic's fiery hot and robust aroma pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes that can balance its intense scent. Use it in cooking savory stews, roasted meats, and rich soups to complement its sharp bite and marbled purple stripe. For a unique twist, try incorporating this garlic into a marinade or sauce, allowing its potent aroma to infuse and enhance your culinary creations.

Wine and Beverage Pairings: The fiery hot aroma of this garlic, with its robust and spicy scent, pairs well with full-bodied wines that can stand up to its intense fragrance. Consider matching it with a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which complements the garlic's sharp bite and enhances its aromatic complexity. For a unique contrast, try a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which balances the potent aroma and complements dishes featuring this garlic variety.

Growing Metechi Garlic

Growing this garlic is a rewarding experience, especially for gardeners in colder regions. Here are some essential tips for successfully cultivating this hardy variety:

1. Soil Preparation: It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enhance its nutrient content. The ideal pH for garlic is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
2. Spacing and Depth: Plant the cloves 6-8 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Place each clove with the pointed end up and cover it with about 2 inches of soil. Proper spacing is crucial to allow the bulbs to develop fully and avoid competition for nutrients and space.
3. Mulching: Apply a generous layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Mulching also provides protection during the winter months and helps maintain soil temperature and moisture levels.
4. Watering: Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it’s crucial to maintain a balance.
5. Fertilization: Feed the garlic with a balanced fertilizer or organic amendments in the early stages of growth. Additional side dressing with compost or a high-nitrogen fertilizer can promote healthy foliage and bulb development.

Harvesting

It is typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer, depending on the planting time and growing conditions. Harvest when the lower leaves start to brown and dry, leaving a few green leaves at the top. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil and allow them to cure in a shaded, well-ventilated area for about two weeks. Proper curing enhances the garlic's storage life and flavor.

Culinary Uses

The strong, hot flavor of this garlic makes it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its cloves can be used raw in robust salads, dressings, and salsas, or cooked in a variety of dishes, including roasts, soups, and sauces. This garlic variety also roasts beautifully, developing a sweet, mellow flavor that enhances a wide range of culinary creations.

This is a highly valued garlic variety that offers numerous benefits to gardeners and cooks alike. Its robust flavor, vigorous growth, and excellent cold hardiness make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to cultivate garlic. By following proper planting, growing Metechi garlic, and harvesting techniques, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this flavorful and resilient garlic variety year after year.

Planting Time

It is typically planted in the fall for a summer harvest, similar to other hardneck garlic varieties. Planting in the fall allows the cloves to establish roots before winter sets in, leading to healthier plants and larger bulbs.

Scaping

Hardneck garlic varieties like this garlic produce scapes, curly flower stalks that emerge from the center of the plant. While the scapes are edible and delicious, their removal redirects energy to bulb development, resulting in larger cloves. Harvest scapes when they curl once or twice and use them in culinary dishes like pesto or stir-fries.

Storage and Preservation

How to Store Fresh Garlic and Preserve for Long-Term Use

After harvesting this garlic in early to midsummer, allow the green tops to dry out fully and turn papery brown to ensure proper curing. Hang the hardneck bulbs in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry location to cure thoroughly—this process is essential to lock in it’s intense heat and rich, spicy flavor. Once cured, it stores well for several months, making it a popular choice for both raw and roasted applications.

Best Practices for Drying and Freezing

To extend Metechi garlic’s shelf life, freezing is an effective option post-curing. Freeze whole bulbs, separated cloves (peeled or unpeeled), or minced garlic, depending on how you intend to use it. Avoid freezing uncured bulbs, as the high moisture content can degrade both texture and flavor. Proper curing before freezing ensures the bold, pungent taste remains intact through long-term storage.

Why Order From Us?

We proudly offer premium hardneck garlic varieties like Metechi Garlic, carefully grown by expert farmers to ensure excellent germination and vigorous growth. Sold by the pound, Metechi thrives in fall plantings and performs especially well in cold climates, producing large, robust cloves with a powerful, lingering heat. Place your order today to explore our full selection of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties—perfect for cultivating a flavorful and productive garden.

For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center. Our staff have selected dozens of articles, videos, recipes and tips with everything you need to successfully grow garlic bulbs.

** For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center and try out our Garlic Selector Tool to find the perfect garlic for your growing zone and tastes. Or check out all of our Garlic Learning Blogs where our staff have selected dozens of articles, videos, recipes and tips to help you learn how to successfully grow garlic bulbs.**