Description
Spanish Roja Garlic is a renowned Rocambole hardneck variety cherished for its bold, complex flavor and historical significance. With rich brownish-red cloves wrapped in streaked outer skins ranging from cream to deep purple, each bulb contains 8–12 easy-to-peel cloves. This heirloom garlic offers a rich, spicy kick balanced by subtle sweetness—perfect for everything from raw salsas to slow-roasted entrées.
This variety thrives in cooler climates and is traditionally fall-planted, maturing by midsummer. Spanish Roja Garlic is known for its dependable yields, graceful growth habit, and large bulb size—typically over 2 inches in diameter. Gardeners appreciate its straightforward cultivation and culinary versatility, making it a staple among serious garlic growers and gourmet chefs.
Spanish Roja Garlic is a favorite for its outstanding flavor and reliable storage qualities. Whether you're growing it for your kitchen, your market stand, or your pantry, this variety delivers an unmatched garlic experience. From planting to plate, expect richly aromatic bulbs and impressive harvests from this beloved heirloom variety.
- Rocambole Hardneck Garlic.
- Bold, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness—great raw or cooked.
- Hardneck type with streaked cream-to-purple outer wrappers.
- 8–12 large, brownish-red easy-to-peel cloves per bulb.
- Bulbs average 2" and larger; approximately 6–8 bulbs per pound.
- Cold-hardy and well-suited for fall planting in cooler zones.
- Performs best in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: This garlic delivers a classic, rich garlic flavor with spicy depth and subtle sweet undertones. It shines when roasted or sautéed, adding bold intensity to sauces, marinades, and roasted dishes. The heat mellows with cooking, leaving behind a warm, savory richness that elevates any recipe.
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Aroma Profile: Spanish Roja Garlic offers a powerful, earthy fragrance with hints of spice. Crushed or chopped, the cloves release a robust aroma that intensifies as it cooks. Its strong, enticing scent adds depth to everything from salad dressings to hearty stews, making it a standout in the kitchen.
Planting Time
It is typically planted in the fall for a summer harvest, similar to other hardneck garlic varieties. Planting in the fall allows the cloves to establish roots before winter sets in, leading to healthier plants and larger bulbs.
Scaping
Hardneck garlic varieties like this garlic produce scapes, curly flower stalks that emerge from the center of the plant. While the scapes are edible and delicious, their removal redirects energy to bulb development, resulting in larger cloves. Harvest scapes when they curl once or twice and use them in culinary dishes like pesto or stir-fries.
Storage and Preservation
How to Store Fresh Garlic
Once harvested in early to midsummer, allow the green stalks to completely dry and turn brown to ensure the garlic is fully cured. For best results, hang the hardneck bulbs in a cool, dry, and airy location to promote proper curing and preserve their bold flavor and nutrients. This type of garlic keeps well for several months, making it an excellent choice for both fresh and roasted dishes.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
To extend the shelf life of this garlic, harvest when the foliage has fully browned and the bulbs have reached maturity. Cure them in a dry, breezy location to retain their aromatic flavor and beneficial compounds. With its smooth texture and well-balanced taste, this garlic variety enhances everything from sauces to roasted vegetables, while holding its freshness in long-term storage.
Best Practices for Drying and Freezing
Freezing garlic after it has been properly cured is an effective way to extend its shelf life while maintaining its rich flavor and quality. Depending on your future use, you can freeze it in several forms—whole bulbs, individual cloves (peeled or with skins), or even minced. Although it’s possible to freeze garlic right after harvest without curing, it’s usually not advised. High moisture levels in uncured garlic can cause a soft or mushy texture once thawed, and the flavor may not be as robust.
Why Order From Us?
We proudly offer premium hardneck garlic varieties like Spanish Roja Garlic, a beloved Rocambole heirloom cultivated by experienced growers to ensure outstanding germination, bold flavor, and vigorous growth. Sold by the pound, this variety thrives in fall plantings and performs best in cooler climates.
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