Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
Seasons/Availability
Elephant garlic is available year round.
Current Facts
Elephant garlic is of the genus Allium ampeloprasum, formerly Allium Gigantum, which botanically classifieds it as a type of leek. Hence Elephant garlic is not a true garlic, but rather garlic only in name and similarity.
Description/Taste
Elephant garlic is much larger in size than common garlic. Elephant garlic develops a large underground bulb (nearly twice the size of the largest true garlic variety) that produces an average of five large cloves. The largest bulbs can weigh as much as one pound, hence its appropriate given name. Its size matters only in appearance though, as its flavor is milder and sweeter than that of true garlic varieties due to its leek ancestry. As the plant matures, it produces above ground large waxy gray and green leaves that create edible pink flowers.
Applications
Elephant garlic can often be treated as a vegetable in the kitchen versus an herb as it is so mild in flavor. Roasting or grilling will enhance its flavor. Serve slices of grilled Elephant garlic on sandwiches, burgers, pizza and salads. Roasted Elephant garlic can be used as a spread for bread and crackers or added to sauces, soups and pastas. Sauté sliced Elephant garlic in butter or olive oil and serve as a side dish.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Garlic has long been used by many cultures as a means to warn off evil spirits and provide protection. In Sanskrit garlic translates to mean “slayer of monsters” and was commonly hung in entryways to houses to provide protection. It has been used to shield against snakes, scorpions, spiders and even vampires. Seafaring cultures often sent garlic along with sailors in hopes it would ensure calm seas during their travels. Scandinavia cultures use garlic to protect farm animals and pets as well.
Geography/History
Elephant garlic's native origins can be traced to Central Asia. Its original plants were cold hardy but today modern varieties are more suited to temperate Mediterranean type climates with mild winters. Elephant garlic is a hardy, nearly disease resistant perennial plant that is also self-seeding which allows continuous future crops every season. If properly cured, it can be stored for over a year in a dry cool area.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Martini Media | San Diego CA | 619-723-9203 |
| Plan Cha | La Mesa CA | 619-213-4277 |
| Jimmy Love's | San Diego CA | 619-595-0123 |
| Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 x14 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Romesco | Bonita CA | 619-475-8623 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Elephant Garlic. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Adrienn Eats |
|
Roasted Elephant Garlic + Cauliflower |
| Recipe, Interupted |
|
How to Roast Elephant Garlic |
