Description

Rocambole Garlic, German Red

Garlic, which is a member of the same group of plants as the onion, has been cultivated for millennia. As a cultivated plant, it is so old that it is difficult to credit a country of origin for this vegetable. All modern garlic belongs to one of two subspecies: hardneck (ophioscorodon) or softneck (sativum). Hardneck subspecies try to produce flower stalks with small aerial cloves called bulbils. Hardnecks will not produce large bulbs underground unless the flower stalks are removed. There are three varieties of hardneck garlic: Purple Striped, Porcelain and Rocambole. Softnecks have lost the ability, for the most part, to produce a flower stalk. However, under certain climatic situations, the bulbs may try to produce a flower stalk known as bolting. There are three varieties of softneck garlic: Artichoke, Silverskin and Creole.

The Rocamboles, hardnecks, are the most widely grown of the heirloom garlics. They possess outstanding flavor, but are not good storers. There are usually 6-11 cloves per bulb.
German Red comes from German Farmers in Idaho. The large bulbs are deep reddish-brown. The cloves are light brown tipped with purple. Raw, German Red is one of the hottest tasting Rocamboles. When cooked, it has a strong garlicky flavor.

Planting Garlic, Shallots, Onions and Elephant Garlic