Purple Italian Garlic (lb)

• This classic Italian hardneck is one of our most popular.
• Delicate and sweet spiciness with a mild, grassy flavor.
• Slow to warm up, it creeps up on you with a burst of heat and then fades quickly.
• Good for salsas & Mediterranean dishes with multiple ingredients to balance out the heat.
• Large cloves are easy to peel, making it a favorite with cooks.
• Not recommended for roasting.
• Deep russet purple-skinned bulbs.
• Approximately 8-12 cloves per bulb and 5-6 bulbs per pound
• 2" and larger diameter bulbs.
• Grown in Canada

Origin and Overview

Purple Italian garlic, also known as Italian Purple or Creole Italian, is a distinctive variety of softneck garlic known for its striking appearance and robust flavor. Originating from the Mediterranean region, particularly Italy, this variety has gained popularity worldwide due to its adaptability, vibrant color, and culinary versatility. Purple Italian garlic is a member of the Artichoke garlic family, which is known for its reliable yields and moderate storage life.

Characteristics

This garlic is easily recognizable by its large, purple-striped bulbs. The outer skin of the bulbs features a mix of white and purple hues, while the inner cloves are covered with papery skins that range from light purple to deep violet. Each bulb typically contains 8 to 12 cloves, which are of medium size and slightly elongated.

In terms of flavor, this garlic offers a rich, robust taste that is less pungent than many other varieties. It has a mild to medium heat, making it suitable for both raw and cooked applications. The flavor is often described as slightly sweet with a hint of earthiness, providing a balanced garlic experience without overwhelming heat or bitterness. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a milder garlic flavor.

Flavor and Aroma Profile of Purple Italian Garlic

Flavor Profile: It offers a rich and balanced garlic flavor with a mild to medium heat that gradually builds, providing a sweet and slightly earthy taste. Its large cloves, covered in striking purple stripes, are perfect for enhancing various dishes, from Mediterranean recipes to raw salsas. With its delicate yet robust flavor, this Italian garlic is a versatile choice for both culinary enthusiasts and gardeners looking to grow great garlic in their garden.

Aroma Profile: This garlic delivers a subtle yet inviting aroma with a balanced blend of sweet and earthy notes. As you peel the large cloves covered in purple stripes, the scent of garlic enriches your kitchen, enhancing the flavor of Mediterranean dishes and raw preparations. This Italian garlic’s mild pungency and delicate fragrance make it a versatile choice for various dishes, adding a rich aromatic quality without overpowering other ingredients.

Pairing Recommendations

Food Pairings: This garlic, with its mild yet robust flavor and striking purple stripe, pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its delicate heat and slightly sweet taste complement Mediterranean dishes, fresh salads, and salsas, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen. For the best results, use garlic bulbs harvested in early spring or fall, and consider planting seeds or purchasing from trusted sources to ensure optimal growth and flavor.

Wine and Beverage Pairings: Purple Italian garlic, with its mild, sweet flavor and purple stripes, pairs wonderfully with a variety of wines and beverages. For a refreshing match, try a crisp white wine or a light rosé to complement its delicate taste, especially in dishes featuring raw or sautéed garlic. Additionally, a smooth, well-balanced red wine can enhance the garlic's robust flavor in Mediterranean-inspired dishes, making it an excellent choice for spring or fall gatherings.

Cultivation Requirements

Growing it is relatively easy, making it a favorite among gardeners. Here are the key cultivation requirements:

• Climate: This variety thrives in a range of climates but prefers temperate regions. It can tolerate mild winters and is well-suited for Mediterranean climates. However, it can also adapt to cooler climates with proper care.
• Soil: This garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility and structure.
• Planting: Cloves should be planted in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the first frost. In milder climates, spring planting is also possible. Plant each clove pointed end up, 2 inches deep, and 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced about 12 inches apart.
• Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Garlic needs consistent moisture to develop properly, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent bulb rot.
• Care: Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the bulbs from temperature fluctuations. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer or fish emulsion during the growing season for optimal growth.
• Harvesting: It is usually ready to harvest in mid-summer. When the majority of the leaves have turned brown, the bulbs are mature. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil and allow them to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks.

Culinary Uses

The mild yet flavorful profile of this garlic makes it a versatile ingredient in a variety of culinary dishes. Here are some popular uses:

• Raw: Its balanced flavor makes it perfect for raw applications such as salads, salsas, and dressings. It can be minced and added to dips, spreads, and marinades for a subtle garlic kick.
• Roasted: Roasting enhances its natural sweetness and mellows the heat. Roasted this garlic can be spread on bread, incorporated into roasted vegetables, or blended into soups for added depth.
• Sauteed: Sautéing brings out its aromatic qualities, making it an excellent addition to pasta sauces, stir-fries, and sautéed greens. It complements other ingredients without overpowering them.
• Pickled: Pickling preserves the garlic and adds a tangy, zesty flavor. Pickled cloves are great for antipasto platters, sandwiches, and as a condiment for various dishes.

It is a unique and flavorful variety known for its beautiful appearance, mild yet robust flavor, and adaptability to different growing conditions. Its ease of cultivation and wide range of culinary applications make it a valuable addition to any garden and kitchen.

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 in early to midsummer, let the green stems dry out completely and turn brown to ensure the garlic cures properly. Hang the Purple Italian hardneck bulbs in a cool, dry, and airy location to cure, which helps preserve their rich, robust flavor and nutritional qualities. Once cured, this type of garlic keeps well for several months and is a versatile choice for both raw and roasted dishes.

Best Practices for Drying and Freezing

Freezing garlic after it's been cured is a great way to keep it fresh and flavorful for a longer time. You can freeze it as whole bulbs, individual cloves (peeled or unpeeled), or minced—whatever works best for how you plan to use it. While it's possible to freeze freshly harvested garlic that hasn't been cured, it's not usually recommended. The higher moisture can make it mushy after thawing, and the flavor might not be as strong.

Why Order From Us?

We proudly offer premium hardneck garlic varieties like Purple Italian Garlic, carefully cultivated by experienced growers to ensure excellent germination and vigorous growth. Sold by the pound, this variety thrives in both fall and spring planting seasons and adapts well to a range of climates. Place your order today to browse our selection of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties—ideal for cultivating a flavorful and productive garden.

** 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.**