Russian Red Garlic (lb)

Product Overview

Russian Red Garlic is a highly sought-after hardneck garlic variety known for its perfect garlic flavor with a bold, spicy kick and a long-lasting heat, similar to a hot pepper. Featuring large bulbs with 6-8 cloves per bulb, this rocambole garlic offers beautiful purple wrappers and a pleasant non-sulfurous taste. Ideal for fall planting, it thrives in soggy soils and produces huge bulbs that are both reliably hardy and excellent for culinary uses. With its raw flavor upfront and sweet undertones, Russian Red Seed Garlic is perfect for roasting or sautéing with olive oil. Known for being more thrifty bulb producers, it's a top choice for home gardeners and chefs alike.

Russian Red garlic is a variety of garlic that is prized for its strong, pungent flavor. It is typically used in cooked dishes, as the flavor can be too overwhelming to eat raw.

Red garlic gets its name from its deep red color, which is a result of the high concentration of anthocyanins in the skin.

In addition to its potent flavor, Russian Red garlic is also known for its large bulb size.

• Rocambole hardneck
• The raw flavor is intense and big up front, with some sweetness along with a slight and pleasant bitterness.
• Garlic expert Chester Aaron calls this raw garlic "the perfect garlic flavor".
• Heat is long lasting, like a hot pepper
• Averages about 6-8 large sized cloves per bulb
• This variety has the ability to withstand soggy winter soils much better than others
• 2" and larger diameter bulbs. Approximately 5-6 bulbs per pound.
• Grown in Canada

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.

Russian Red Garlic is a beloved variety of garlic known for its rich flavor, easy cultivation, and versatility in culinary applications. This unique garlic variety has gained popularity among home gardeners and chefs alike. In this summary, we will explore the key characteristics of Russian Red Garlic, including its flavor profile, growing requirements, and its culinary uses.

Russian Red Garlic Characteristics:

1. Flavor Profile: Russian Red Garlic is celebrated for its robust and full-bodied flavor. Its taste is characterized by a spicy and pungent kick with subtle sweet undertones. This distinct flavor profile adds depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, making it a favorite among garlic enthusiasts.

2. Clove Appearance: The cloves of Russian Red Garlic are typically large and plump, making them easy to handle and peel. This characteristic is especially appreciated by chefs who use garlic in their culinary creations.

3. Bulb Composition: The garlic bulbs of Russian Red Garlic consist of multiple cloves arranged in layers. Each bulb can yield an abundance of cloves, making it a prolific garlic variety for both consumption and planting.

4. Skin Color: As the name suggests, Russian Red Garlic features an outer skin that ranges from pale purple to deep red. This striking skin color adds visual appeal to dishes and makes it easily distinguishable from other garlic varieties.

5. Aroma Profile: Russian Red Garlic has an intense and spicy aroma that stands out prominently. When raw, it delivers a pungent, robust scent with a notable long-lasting heat and a hint of pleasant bitterness. This variety's raw garlic flavor is vibrant and distinctive, thanks to its colorful outer skin and rich garlic flavor that endears it to those who appreciate a bold aroma in their dishes.

Cultivation Requirements:

1. Planting Time: Russian Red Garlic is typically planted in the fall, allowing it to establish roots before winter dormancy. Planting in late September or early October is recommended for most regions.

2. Soil Preferences: This garlic variety thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with good organic matter content. Amending the soil with compost before planting can provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.

3. Sunlight: Russian Red Garlic prefers full sun, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight promotes bulb development and enhances the flavor of the cloves.

4. Watering: Garlic requires consistent moisture during its growing season but is susceptible to rot if the soil becomes waterlogged. Proper irrigation management is essential to prevent overwatering.

5. Mulching: Mulching around garlic plants can help maintain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and insulate the soil during winter. Organic mulch, such as straw or compost, is commonly used for this purpose.

Culinary Uses:

1. Flavor Enhancer: Russian Red Garlic's bold and spicy flavor makes it a versatile seasoning in various culinary dishes. It adds depth and complexity to soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.

2. Roasting: Roasted Russian Red Garlic cloves develop a mellow and sweet flavor while retaining their robustness. Roasted garlic can be spread on bread, mixed into mashed potatoes, or used as a pizza topping.

3. Sautéing: Sautéing Russian Red Garlic in olive oil or butter is a common method to infuse dishes with its distinct flavor. It serves as an excellent base for sautéed vegetables and pasta dishes.

4. Pickling: Garlic lovers enjoy pickling Russian Red Garlic cloves as a tangy and zesty snack. Pickled garlic can also be used as a condiment or a flavorful addition to salads and charcuterie boards.

5. Homemade Garlic Powder: Dehydrated Russian Red Garlic cloves can be ground into garlic powder, preserving its intense flavor for extended use in various recipes.

Russian Red Garlic is a highly sought-after garlic variety known for its robust flavor, easy cultivation, and versatility in the kitchen. Its distinct spicy and pungent taste, along with its unique red skin, sets it apart from other garlic varieties. Whether planted in your garden or used in culinary creations, Russian Red Garlic offers a delightful and flavorful experience that enhances a wide range of dishes. It has become a cherished ingredient among chefs, home cooks, and garlic enthusiasts, adding depth and complexity to a variety of culinary delights.

Pairing Recommendations:

1. Food Pairings: For an ideal food pairing, consider using Russian Red Garlic to enhance dishes with its perfect garlic flavor and spicy profile. Its intense raw garlic flavor and slight and pleasant bitterness complement hearty dishes like roasted meats, where its long lasting heat and robust taste can shine. Additionally, Russian Red Garlic's colorful bulbs and larger diameter bulbs add visual appeal to salads and vegetable dishes, making it a versatile choice for elevating a variety of recipes.

2. Wine and Beverage Pairings: For a delightful pairing, complement Russian Red Garlic with a robust red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, which matches the intense raw garlic flavor and spicy profile of this variety. The pleasant bitterness and long lasting heat of Russian Red Garlic make it a great match for a bold Shiraz, enhancing the garlic flavor in dishes like roasted meats or rich stews. For a refreshing contrast, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can balance the raw garlic and slight sweetness, especially when used in salads or light pasta dishes featuring this colorful bulb.

Storage and Preservation

How to Store Fresh Garlic

To maintain the optimal freshness and perfect garlic flavor of Russian Red Garlic, store it in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Avoid storing it in a damp environment or direct sunlight, as this can cause the garlic bulbs to sprout or rot. For longer preservation, keep the garlic in a well-ventilated container or mesh bag, and ensure it remains dry and away from soggy winter soils.

Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use

To preserve Russian Red Garlic for long-term use, store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to maintain its perfect garlic flavor and prevent sprouting. Keep the garlic bulbs in a mesh bag or breathable container to ensure airflow and avoid soggy winter soils, which can lead to rot. For extended shelf life, protect the garlic from direct sunlight and excess moisture, which can affect the raw garlic's spicy taste and slight pleasant bitterness.

Best Practices for Drying and Freezing

For preserving Russian Red Garlic, the best practices for drying and freezing include first curing the garlic bulbs in a well-ventilated, dry area to maintain their perfect garlic flavor and robust raw flavor. Once cured, store the garlic in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life. For long-term storage, consider freezing garlic cloves, which helps retain their spicy taste and slight pleasant bitterness, while also ensuring that the colorful outer skin and garlic bulbs remain intact.

Why Order From Russian Red Seed Garlic From Us

Order from us for top-quality seed garlic, including our Russian Red Garlic, which is ideal for fall planting originally. Our Russian Red Garlic features huge bulbs and an excellent flavor profile, perfect for various culinary applications. Known for its big upfront taste and characteristics of Rocambole garlics, this variety promises robust growth and abundant harvests. With our focus on quality and reliable stock, we ensure the best garlic seed for all your growing garlic needs.