Fraser Garlic encompasses a range of high-quality varieties appealing to home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts. These include both hardneck and softneck types, cultivated with a commitment to sustainable, chemical-free practices. This ensures a high-quality product for both planting and cooking.
Characteristics of Fraser Garlic
Fraser Garlic varieties exhibit distinct characteristics in appearance and flavor. Hardneck types have a rigid central stem and often fewer, larger cloves, while softneck varieties have a pliable stalk and typically produce more cloves per bulb. For example, ‘CNG Dunganski’ is a Purple Stripe variety, notable for its eye-catching purple striping on the outer bulb layers, and usually contains 9 to 12 cloves per head. Its flavor is medium heat, becoming mellow and nutty when roasted. ‘Music,’ a hardneck porcelain garlic, has a spicier raw flavor that transforms into a fragrant, floral, peppery, and sweet taste when cooked.
Growing Fraser Garlic
Cultivation of Fraser Garlic begins with site selection and soil preparation. Garlic thrives in full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-drained soil, as excessive moisture causes rot. Sandy loam is ideal, but other soil types improve with organic matter like compost or manure, enhancing fertility and maintaining a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 (ideally 6.2 to 6.8) is beneficial for optimal growth. Raised beds can further improve drainage. All garlic varieties benefit from a cold period to stimulate proper bulb development, making them suited for cooler climates.
Planting occurs in late fall, one to two weeks after the first killing frost, typically mid-September to late November in northern climates. This allows cloves to establish roots before winter dormancy. Separate plump cloves from the bulb and plant them pointed end up, about 1 inch deep, covered with 4 inches of soil or mulch. Space cloves 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Consistent moisture is important throughout the growing season. Garlic needs about 1 inch of water per week in loam/clay soils, or up to 2 inches in sandy soils during warmer periods. Water deeply and infrequently in the morning to allow foliage to dry. Insufficient watering leads to smaller bulbs, while overwatering promotes rot. Reduce or stop watering one to two weeks before harvest to aid curing.
Garlic is a heavy feeder, requiring ample nutrients for healthy growth. Incorporate compost or manure into the soil in late summer or early fall before planting. Apply phosphorous and potassium-rich fertilizers pre-planting for strong root development. In spring, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every three to four weeks until mid-May to encourage top growth and bulb enlargement. Cease nitrogen fertilization after mid-May to avoid stunting bulb growth.
Effective pest and disease management contributes to a healthy crop. Keep planting areas weed-free, as garlic does not compete well. For hardneck varieties, remove the flower stalk (scape) in late spring (early June) before it reaches 12 inches to redirect energy to bulb development. Plant healthy, disease-free cloves from reputable sources to prevent disease. Good air circulation from proper spacing helps deter fungal issues, and crop rotation with debris removal disrupts pest and disease cycles.
Harvesting and Storing Fraser Garlic
Harvesting Fraser Garlic at the right time is crucial for maximizing its quality and storage life. Indicators include 50% to 75% of leaves yellowing and dying back. For hardneck varieties, a cross-section of the bulb reveals space forming between the cloves and the central stem. Softneck varieties signal maturity when plants begin to fall over. Hardneck garlic typically matures later, often in late June.
Harvest carefully to prevent bulb damage. Use a garden fork or shovel to gently loosen soil around the bulb before lifting, rather than pulling stems. After harvest, cure garlic for long-term storage by shaking off loose soil without washing. Dry bulbs for two to four weeks in a well-ventilated, dark location like a shed or garage, away from direct sunlight. An ideal curing temperature is around 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit to facilitate the protective papery sheath.
Proper storage after curing maintains freshness. Keep whole garlic bulbs intact until needed, as separating cloves prematurely causes them to dry out faster. Store garlic in a cool, dark, dry place with ample airflow. Use breathable containers like terra-cotta crocks, mesh bags, wire baskets, or open bowls; avoid plastic bags which trap moisture and cause mold.
Refrigeration is not recommended for long-term storage, as cold can cause sprouting. An ideal storage temperature is 50-68 degrees Fahrenheit, with 45-50% humidity. Smaller garlic heads generally store better. For extended preservation, garlic can also be frozen, dehydrated, or pickled.
Culinary Uses and Benefits
Fraser Garlic varieties, including ‘CNG Dunganski’ and ‘Music,’ offer diverse culinary applications. Their unique flavor profiles make them suitable for a wide array of recipes, from everyday dishes like mashed potatoes and shrimp with pasta to more elaborate French or Italian cuisines, garlic confit, and aioli. The edible scapes, the curly flower stalks of hardneck garlic, can also be enjoyed in various dishes.
Beyond its culinary appeal, garlic has been recognized for centuries for various health benefits. It contains compounds that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Consuming garlic may boost the immune system, potentially offering protection against common ailments. Research suggests garlic may help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Allicin, released when garlic is crushed, provides antibiotic properties, and garlic is also a low-calorie ingredient providing beneficial nutrients like B6, fiber, and selenium.