Description
Garlic, a popular and versatile ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, comes in several varieties, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Here are some of the main types:
1. Softneck Garlic (Allium sativum var. sativum)
– Common Garlic (Silverskin): The most widely available type, known for its long shelf life and numerous small cloves. It has a strong, pungent flavor.
– Artichoke Garlic A milder flavor compared to Silverskin, with larger cloves and fewer per bulb. Easy to peel and often used in commercial garlic products.
2. Hardneck Garlic (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon)
– Rocambole: Known for its complex, rich flavor. It has easy-to-peel cloves and produces a central flower stalk called a scape, which is also edible.
– Purple Stripe: Characterized by its purple-streaked skin, it has a sweet and strong flavor. Subtypes include Chesnok Red and Persian Star.
– Porcelain: Large, easy-to-peel cloves with a robust flavor. Examples include Romanian Red and Music.