Each type of garlic offers unique uses and benefits. Within these types, there are also many different varieties to choose from.
Garlic comes in two main types: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic has a tall stem called a scape and fewer, larger cloves arranged in a circle. Softneck garlic doesn’t have a scape and has more, smaller cloves arranged in layers.
So what are different properties of garlic types and why do they matter? Read on to find out.
HARDNECK VS. SOFTNECK GARLIC
Hardneck garlic has a strong flavor and is good for recipes where you want the taste of garlic to stand out, like in salads or sauces. Softneck garlic has a milder flavor and is better for cooking in dishes like soups or stir-fries. Hardneck garlic is usually planted in the fall and harvested in late spring or early summer, while softneck garlic can be planted in fall or spring and is harvested later in summer. These differences help farmers and cooks choose the right garlic for their needs.
HARDNECK GARLIC
Though hardneck has fewer, but bigger cloves, the cloves are easier to peel than those of softneck garlic. Hardneck garlic thrives in cold weather, making it a good choice for regions with harsh winters.
As far as flavor and cooking go, hardneck garlic tends to have a stronger, more complex flavor. Preferred for recipes that leave garlic uncooked, this stiff-necked variety showcases the power of garlic’s flavor, such as in dressings, salsas, and pesto.
Hardneck garlic is planted in the fall and ready for harvest from late spring to early summer. It requires a cold period called vernalization to grow well. In early summer, farmers remove the scapes—tall stems that grow in the middle of the plant—to help the garlic bulbs grow bigger and stronger.
But don’t toss those scapes! They’re useful in recipes and can be used in place of garlic bulbs. They taste a little greener and are not as pungent as a regular garlic clove. Some even use them to substitute for green onions. Usually, one garlic scape replaces one garlic clove.
SOFTNECK GARLIC
Softneck garlic is different from hardneck garlic in several ways. Unlike hardneck garlic, it doesn’t grow a tall scape stem. Instead, it produces more, but smaller cloves that are arranged in layers. These cloves are harder to peel, but they last longer on shelves compared to hardneck garlic. Softneck garlic is often grown in mild climates where the weather is not too hot or cold.
Softneck garlic is known for its mild and sometimes sweeter flavor, making it great for cooking. It’s perfect for dishes like roasts, fried foods, and baked dishes where its flavor complements without overpowering. Its flexible stalks also make softneck garlic popular for making garlic braids, a decorative way to store and showcase garlic in kitchens.
Softneck garlic is more commonly found in grocery stores because it tends to have a longer shelf life compared to hardneck varieties, making it easier to store and transport over longer distances without spoiling. It also grows well in a wider range of climates and conditions, making it more consistently available for commercial production.
YOU CAN JUST PLANT BOTH
Some gardeners like to plant both hardneck and softneck varieties of garlic to capitalize on the advantages of both. By planting both types, gardeners can enjoy a wider range of flavors and use garlic in different ways in their cooking. When leaves turn yellow and start to dry out, garlic bulbs are usually ready to harvest. Late spring to early summer brings a hardneck garlic harvest and mid to late summer brings a softneck harvest.
VARIETIES IN EACH TYPE OF NECK
There are different varieties of garlic in both hardneck and softneck categories.
Hardneck Garlic (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon):
- Rocambole: Rocambole garlic is known for its strong and rich flavor that adds a distinctive taste to dishes. Its cloves are easy to peel. This type of garlic often has a reddish or purple skin and a slightly elongated shape, making it easy to recognize in the kitchen. (Source: The Spruce Eats)
- Porcelain: Porcelain garlic is known for its large cloves, which are easy to handle and peel. It has a strong flavor that stands out in recipes. Additionally, Porcelain garlic can be stored for a long time without losing its flavor or quality.
- Purple Stripe: Purple Stripe garlic has purple stripes on the bulb wrappers. It is favored for its robust and rich garlic flavor, which adds a bold taste to dishes. Additionally, Purple Stripe garlic is known for being relatively easy to grow in home gardens and can adapt well to various climates.
- Marbled Purple Stripe: Marbled Purple Stripe garlic has a unique look with streaks of purple or red on its cloves. It has a strong flavor for bold dishes.
- Glazed Purple Stripe: Glazed Purple Stripe garlic stands out because of its shiny, glazed purple-striped skin. It has a strong and robust garlic flavor.
Softneck Garlic (Allium sativum var. sativum):
- Artichoke: Artichoke garlic is known for its mild flavor.
- Silverskin: Silverskin garlic has a strong flavor that makes it popular for cooking.
- Creole: Creole garlic has a spicy and robust taste. This garlic often has a reddish or purple skin. It thrives in warmer climates, making it well-suited for regions with hot summers.
And the Popular Faker—Elephant Garlic
(Allium ampeloprasum):
Not true garlic: Elephant Garlic belongs to the leek family and produces very large cloves with a mild flavor. It has a milder flavor compared to true garlic (both hardneck and softneck varieties). The cloves of elephant garlic are larger and have a more subtle garlic taste, often described as sweeter and less pungent than traditional garlic. This difference in flavor makes elephant garlic suitable for dishes where a gentler garlic taste is desired.
Knowing the different varieties and types of garlic is beneficial whether you’re picking one for its flavor, timing your harvest just right, or ensuring it stores well. We hope this helps you make choices that improve your cooking and gardening experiences. Enjoy your harvest and kitchen adventures with garlic varieties that suit your tastes and needs!
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