Chinese garlic, Allium Sativum var. pekinense, is a morphologically deviated sub-species of hardneck garlic. All hardneck garlics grow scapes in the spring with each variety having a characteristic shape based on its genetics. The plants of Chinese garlic are characterised by a hard, woody when mature, central stalk which extends to the base plate of the bottom of the bulb. The stalks send up a non-curling flowering scape. If left to mature, the scape forms a spherical umbel of flowering buds, known as bulbils.

Chinese garlic is very distinct in its appearance. Each bulb is shaped like a swollen golf ball, rounded to near perfection. Roughly eight to ten cloves are encased in thin parchment textured layers of white and vivid violet streaked coloring. The cloves grow centrifically around the plants central stalk. The cloves are uniform in shape and size, their coloring garlic true and ivory white. Chinese garlic has a a savory perfume and its flavor is rich, spicy and warm.

Serving Ideas

Chinese garlic is best suited 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. Also consider pairing Chinese garlic with bold and spicy flavors as well as rich ingredients that can work in harmony with its intense flavors. Chiles, ginger, citrus, cream, starches, grilled and roasted meats are all favorable pairings for Chinese garlic.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In Western cultures, garlic is a culinary staple. In Eastern cultures, though, its medicinal properties take precedence. In China, garlic has millenniums of history of medicinal use for a wide variety of conditions and is still considered a cure-all. know as poor-man’s treacle (or cure-all). In Chinese medicine, garlic has been used to treat bronchitis and respiratory problems, gastrointestinal problems, flatulence, leprosy, cramps, high blood pressure, diabetes and has been used externally for arthritis, muscle pain, neuralgia and sciatica. Additionally, Chinese garlic's oils contain the most significant synergistic antifungal beneifts. Though China has been practicing for centuries the use of garlic as medicine, science has finally begun to confirm garlic's long-standing medicinal benefits.

Geography/History

Chinese garlic has been cultivated in China since pre-recorded history. It has experienced many states of evolution due to the ever changing elements of its typography. Flavor, size and coloration are affected by growing conditions, particularly weather. Chinese garlic differentiate from other garlic species as they do not gradually mature. Rather when they are ready their tops fall over, like onions. It is at this point that they must be harvested. Chinese garlic has a short post harvest shelf-life, like other Asiatic garlics.