Featured Crop

California Grown Garlic

Known for its bold flavor and health benefits, California-grown garlic enhances everything from sauces to roasted dishes.

Cooking classes

Garlic Butter Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

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Download Recipe

Savory Garlic Hummus

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

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Download Recipe

Varieties

California Early, California Late and Silver White are Valley favorites.

Prep Tips

Roast whole heads until tender, mince raw for maximum flavor or stir fry with vegetables.

Nutrition

Contains allicin, a powerful compound for heart health. Supports immune function and reduces inflammation.

Cultivation

Garlic thrives in California’s Central Valley due to its warm, dry climate and well-draining soil, ideal for growing this hearty crop. Garlic is typically planted in the fall, as cloves need cooler winter temperatures to establish strong roots. By spring, the plants begin to sprout and grow through early summer when they are harvested, resulting in robust bulbs with firm cloves.

When can I buy garlic?

California-grown garlic is available year-round, but peak season for fresh harvest is late spring through early summer, typically from May to July. Fresh garlic bulbs are ideal for cooking and can be found at farmers’ markets, grocery stores, and specialty shops. To select the best bulbs, look for ones that are firm, with tight, dry skin and no soft spots or sprouting, which indicate freshness and longevity.

Nutritional value of garlic

Garlic is nutrient-packed, low in calories, and rich in vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium. It contains unique compounds like allicin, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which may support heart health and immune function. A small clove of garlic provides just 5 calories and a significant health boost.

How to store garlic

Store garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation to keep it fresh for several months. Avoid refrigerating whole bulbs, as this can cause sprouting and spoilage. Once peeled, refrigerate in a sealed container and use within a week. For long-term storage, peeled garlic can also be frozen, preserving its flavor and texture.

Explore other crops

Leeks

Leeks are a mild, onion-like vegetable with a subtle sweetness and a tender texture, commonly used in soups, stews, and sautés.

Leeks

Pomegranates

A fall favorite, pomegranates are packed with tart, juicy seeds that add a burst of flavor to salads, drinks, and desserts.

Pomegranates

Mushrooms

Grown in controlled environments, California mushrooms add rich umami flavor to soups, sauces, and sautés.

Mushrooms

Zucchini

A tender, mild squash that thrives in warm weather, zucchini is delicious grilled, sautéed, or baked into bread.

Zucchini