Deerfield Purple Garlic is a distinct hardneck variety, known for its appearance and robust flavor. This garlic originated in Vietnam, gaining recognition in the early 1990s. It stands out for its size, uniformity, and complex taste, making it a favored choice for growers and cooks.
Distinctive Characteristics
Deerfield Purple Garlic has striking thin, white wrappers with vibrant purple stripes. Its cloves are tan with purple streaks. Bulbs are typically 6 centimeters in diameter and uniform, containing 7 to 10 large cloves, sometimes up to 12. The flavor is complex, starting mild and developing into a spicy kick or zesty heat. It also offers a subtle nutty sweetness and high sugar levels, appealing especially when roasted.
Growing Deerfield Purple Garlic
Plant Deerfield Purple Garlic cloves in the fall. This allows roots to establish before the ground freezes, ideally 3 to 4 weeks before the first hard frost. For northern regions, planting in October is suitable, while southern growers can plant from November through January. Separate cloves just before planting and set them flat side down, 1 to 2 inches deep. Space cloves 2 to 4 inches apart, with rows 6 inches apart for proper growth and air circulation.
Deerfield Purple Garlic thrives in well-drained, rich soil amended with organic matter like compost. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Avoid dense, low-fertility soils, which hinder bulb development. Water consistently as spring growth begins to keep the soil moist. Reduce watering as harvest approaches to prevent molding or staining.
Fertilize when spring growth begins to provide necessary nutrients. Deerfield Purple Garlic is resilient, with few pest issues. Mulch provides winter protection, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds. To encourage larger bulbs, remove the curly flower stalks (scapes) as they emerge. Garlic naturally contains sulfur, a fungicide that deters pests like aphids; practicing crop rotation and maintaining garden cleanliness helps mitigate issues like white rot fungus.
Harvesting and Storage
Harvest Deerfield Purple Garlic at the optimal time for quality and storage. Plants are ready mid-season when the lower 4 to 5 leaves turn dry and brown, but at least 3 green leaves remain. Gently lift bulbs from the soil to avoid damage.
After harvest, garlic requires curing for long-term storage; hang bulbs in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for 2 to 3 weeks. This dries and seals the outer wrappers, protecting the cloves. After curing, trim stems to about 1 inch from the bulb and prune roots. Store cured garlic in a cool, dark place for 5 to 8 months. Hardneck varieties like Deerfield Purple have a shorter storage life than softneck types.
Culinary Applications
Deerfield Purple Garlic’s complex flavor makes it a versatile kitchen ingredient. Its rich, garlicky taste, nutty sweetness, and spicy zest enhance many dishes. Its higher sugar content makes it well-suited for roasting and baking, where its robust flavor holds up. When roasted, it becomes a rich, sweet, and potent addition to meals, snacks, appetizers, or side dishes.
It can be used raw in dressings and salsas, imparting a full-bodied flavor with a subtle spicy kick. Its unique characteristics also make it a preferred choice for creations like garlic chili sauce. Beyond roasting, it performs well in cooked dishes, contributing complex notes to elevate flavors.