Produce Briefs...
Mache
Mache has been cultivated in France since the 17th century, and in France it is known as doucette. It is also known as "lamb's lettuce" because its leaves resemble the size and shape of a lamb's tongue.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Thai garlic is harvested in the late cool season and dried during spring time.
Current Facts
Thai garlic is a garlic variety whose name simply suggests its growing region. It is a rare organic cultivar that has to compete with many conventional varieties from neighboring China that are inexpensive, readily available and prolific growers. Thai garlic is a difficult variety which produces erratic yields of crops from one season to the next.
Description/Taste
Thai garlic produce extremely small bulbs that carry about six to eight pea-sized cloves that grow centrifically around the garlic's scape. When harvested at maturity, the cloves are encased in tight, firm wrappers varying in stripes and colors of purple and tan. The cloves themselves are creamy in color with a shallot rose colored hue on their surface. Regardless of size, their flavors are bold, pungent and aromas equally strong. The fiery flavor does mellow with cooking.
Applications
Thai garlic is best suitable for cooking where both the cloves and the peel are used in various applications that showcase the bold heat and depth of the garlic. Use sparingly so as to not overpower the other food you are highlighting.
Geography/History
Thai garlic is an Asiatic garlic that is not necessarily suitable for the growing regions of Thailand, though this does not stop farmers and growers from the continuous pursuit of cultivating an allium which delivers maximum flavor in small amounts. Thai garlic is sown into the soil in late October and early November, after the Monsoon season has past, to avoid drowning the garlic and preventing it from rotting in wet soil. The garlic requires rich, organic soil, continuous attention and timely harvesting. Once the garlic is harvested, the bulbs are bundled to prevent mildew and preserve the garlic during the curing process.
