By: Danielle - Russell Sage College Dietetic Intern
As we are approaching the end of fall and beginning of winter the growing season for many fruits, vegetables and herbs is coming to an end. However, plants in the allium family such as shallots, onion and garlic thrive during this time and are typically planted in late September and early through mid November. This is a very exciting time for Poughkeepsie Farm Project as garlic will be planted in our on site education gardens on November 3rd during volunteer appreciation day and used for an upcoming wellness event. Scroll to the bottom of this blog to watch videos on how to harvest and cure garlic, and to see handouts and recipes on how to grow and cook different recipes with garlic.
Additionally, I was able to be apart of planting garlic at the Boys and Girls Club community garden on Smith Street on October 19th . While at the Boys and Girls Club SonyaJoy and I dug holes for at least 10 children to put a clove of garlic in. We instructed the children to make sure that the pointy part of the garlic was facing up before planting. Then we lightly covered the holes with hay and told them that the garlic will be ready to harvest and eat next summer. It was a fun and educational experience for all!
Why grow garlic?
Garlic has been used since ancient times to treat digestive and respiratory disorders including intestinal worms, as well as wounds and infections. Today, it is used in a variety of dishes around the world because of its great taste and pungent flavor. In addition to its use in culinary dishes, garlic also has a multitude of health benefits that stem from the organic sulfur compound called allicin found within its cloves.
What are the health benefits of garlic?
For starters, garlic is very nutritious and contains both vitamins and minerals. Minerals found in garlic include iron which helps carry oxygen in the blood and vitamins such as vitamin A which is good for our eyes, vitamin C which helps support our immune system and Vitamin D which helps us grow strong bones. Secondly, garlic has anti-inflammatory properties which are not only important for overall health but heart health as well and can support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Lastly and most importantly garlic promotes gut health. According to an article written by Annie Hayes this is because “garlic contains inulin and fructooligosaccharides which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria to grow, while at same time preventing disease promoting bacteria from growing due to its antibacterial properties.” 1
What time of year does garlic grow and what can I do with it?
Garlic grows best in loose rich soil that is well drained and located in a raised bed. It tends to like cooler weather hence why it is planted in the fall around late September to mid-November and harvested the following summer in mid-July. 2 However, garlic can also be harvested in the spring before it has fully sprouted. The immature plant looks similar to a leek as there is no visible bulb growth yet. Garlic scapes which are the flowerlike stalk of the plant are visible at this point and are removed to help with bulb growth and development. After removal garlic scapes can be eaten raw or used to add flavor to dishes like stir fry, dips and even hummus. As for the unripened garlic both the white and green parts of the plant can be eaten as a sauteed veggie or added to stock for flavor. 3
Once garlic is planted we have to wait until mid summer to harvest it. When harvesting garlic, you will want to make sure the tops of the bulbs are brown and dry and can easily be broken off from the stem. Allow the bulbs to air dry for 3-4 weeks until the outer skin turns papery, this is also known as curing garlic. The bulbs can then be saved, replanted and used to grow your own garlic at home! 2
To conclude, garlic can be added to a variety of foods such as pizza, pasta sauce, chicken, and meat to enhance flavor. And as we have learned, garlic is packed with so many nutrients that our bodies need and provides us with so many health benefits. With that it can also be used for medicinal purposes and found in fermented products and fire cider to support good gut and immune health. For more recipes, two of which will be featured at our garlic workshop at our SNAP CSA site on Friday November 5th from 1-3pm and handouts with nutritional and planting information click on the links below!
Recipe Links:
Kale Chips with Parmesan and Garlic
Handout Links:
Health Benefits of Garlic Handout
Watch PFP videos to see more:
Garlic Curing at PFP: https://youtu.be/J3zRAtcfLhw
Harvesting Garlic in the PFP Gardens : https://youtu.be/ljxwIiazOkI
Sources:
1. Hayes A. 12 proven health benefits of garlic. Netdoctor. https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-eating/a10882/health-benefits-of-garlic/. Published 2020. Accessed October 27, 2021.
2. Albert S. How to Grow Garlic. Harvest to Table. https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_garlic/. Accessed October 27, 2021.
3. Green Garlic & Garlic Scapes Archives - The Conservation Foundation. The Conservation Foundation. https://www.theconservationfoundation.org/recipe-categories/garlic-gree-scapes/. Accessed November 1, 2021.