History of Hardneck Garlic
Garlic initially was shunned by the English and American cultures because of the pungent odor that permeated not only the food, but also all that ate it. European Immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries brought some cultivars to their new home land growing them successfully. American palates warmed to the marvelous flavor of the ancient vegetable, a true success of the great American melting pot.
About Hardneck Garlic
Garlic comes with many names. There are reported to be over six hundred sub-varieties of garlic growing all over the world. In 2003, researchers identified ten genetically distinct groups. These include Porcelain, Rocambole, Purple Stripe, Marbled Purple Stripe, and Glazed Purple Stripe. Two types of softneck (Sativum) garlic were identified, Silverskin and Artichoke. Asiatic, Turban, and Creole garlic are weakly bolting hardnecks that carry many characteristics of the softneck varieties and in fact can produce softnecks. These few distinct groups have evolved into the hundreds of sub-varieties that we currently know.
Garlic has been used in many ways. It has been used as an herb to flavor and help preserve foods. Healers throughout the world have used it for a multitude of cures.
Modern science has determined the active ingredient in garlic is allicin. It is produced when garlic is crushed by a combination of enzymes. It has been shown to be a powerful anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant. Garlic naturally builds the immune system.
Garlic is an ancient and time honored herd/vegetable. BJ Gourmet Garlic Farm has been growing hardneck garlic for over 30 years. We are proud to bring you our 20 varieties of garlic to enrich your life.