Music garlic is a hardneck variety, belonging specifically to the Porcelain group of Allium sativum. This classification dictates both the growing requirements and the culinary attributes of the bulb.
Understanding Hardneck and Softneck Garlic
The distinction between hardneck and softneck garlic lies primarily in the structure of the plant’s neck and the arrangement of its cloves. Hardneck garlic, scientifically classified as Allium sativum subsp. ophioscorodon, is defined by a rigid, woody central stalk that runs through the middle of the bulb. This stiff stem prevents the necks from being braided after harvest.
This central stalk is the flower stem, or scape. Hardneck bulbs typically contain a single ring of a few large, uniform cloves, usually numbering between four and twelve. Hardneck varieties generally require a period of cold exposure, known as vernalization, to properly form bulbs and tend to have a shorter storage life than their counterparts.
In contrast, softneck garlic, Allium sativum subsp. sativum, does not produce a stiff central stalk or a scape. The neck remains flexible, allowing the harvested plants to be easily braided. Softneck bulbs contain multiple, irregular layers of cloves, often with many smaller cloves toward the center. These varieties are generally better suited for warmer climates and are prized for their extended storage capability, often lasting nine to twelve months or longer.
Specific Traits of Music Garlic
Music garlic is known for its exceptional size and robust flavor, traits characteristic of the Porcelain hardneck group. The bulbs are typically large, containing an average of four to six jumbo cloves, which are easy to peel due to their thick, papery wrappers. These wrappers are usually a smooth, satiny white, sometimes exhibiting a subtle pink or purple blush on the clove skins.
This variety is known for its high allicin content, the compound responsible for garlic’s pungent properties. When eaten raw, Music garlic presents a powerful, musky flavor with a noticeable hot spice. When cooked or roasted, the flavor mellows considerably, becoming rich, sweet, and aromatic. Music was originally an Italian variety, popularized in North America after being introduced to Canada by grower Al Music in the 1980s.
Growing and Storing This Variety
As a hardneck, Music garlic has specific cultivation needs. To achieve maximum bulb size, the cloves must be planted in the fall, approximately six to eight weeks before the ground freezes. This timing allows the individual cloves to establish roots before winter sets in, ensuring they receive the necessary vernalization period below 40°F.
A primary step in growing Music garlic is the removal of the scape, which typically emerges in late spring or early summer. This curly stalk must be cut off once it has formed a loop, redirecting the plant’s energy away from flower production and back into the underground bulb to maximize its size. The plant is ready for harvest in mid-summer when the lower leaves begin to dry and turn brown, indicating the bulb is fully formed.
Since Music is a hardneck, its stiff neck prevents it from being braided like a softneck variety. After harvesting, the entire plant must be cured in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for several weeks to dry the wrappers and seal the flavor. Once cured, the hard central stem must be trimmed, and the bulbs should be stored in a cool, dark location with moderate humidity. While hardnecks typically have a shorter shelf life, Music is considered a good keeper, often storing successfully for six to nine months.