Porcelain Garlic, Georgian Crystal – 4 oz

Garlic, which is a member of the same group of plants as the onion, has been cultivated for millennia. As a cultivated plant, it is so old that it is difficult to credit a country of origin for this vegetable. All modern garlic belongs to one of two subspecies: hardneck (ophioscorodon) or softneck (sativum). Hardneck subspecies try to produce flower stalks with small aerial cloves called bulbils. Hardnecks will not produce large bulbs underground unless the flower stalks are removed. There are three varieties of hardneck garlic: Purple Striped, Porcelain and Rocambole. Softnecks have lost the ability, for the most part, to produce a flower stalk. However, under certain climatic situations, the bulbs may try to produce a flower stalk known as bolting. There are three varieties of softneck garlic: Artichoke, Silverskin and Creole.

Porcelain Garlics, hardnecks, were not well known in the US until recently. Most varieties have pure white skins and cloves so large that they are often mistaken for elephant garlic.

Polish Hardneck was collected by Rick Bangert of Idaho. This garlic is a vigorous, reliable and very popular heirloom which produces very tall, impressive plants and beautiful, large bulbs. Excellent flavor and a good storer.