Garlic is a staple ingredient in Indian kitchens, used for its bold flavour and numerous health benefits. Known as "lahsun" in Hindi, garlic is used in a variety of Indian dishes, from curries and stir-fries to chutneys and pickles. Its pungent aroma and sharp taste mellow during cooking, adding depth and warmth to dishes. Garlic is often sautéed with onions and tomatoes to form the base of many gravies, while raw garlic is used in chutneys and marinades. It is also a key ingredient in spice mixes and used to temper dals and sabzis.
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Beyond its culinary importance, garlic has been prescribed in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) for its health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds such as allicin, known for their antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic helps boost immunity, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve heart health. It also supports digestion and is considered beneficial for detoxifying the body. It is used as a natural remedy in Indian households.
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There are two main types of garlic you can gro. The Hardneck Garlic is nown for its hard central stalk. This variety is suited for colder climates and produces fewer, but larger, cloves. It also produces garlic flower stalks, which are edible and flavourful. Softneck Garlic on the other hand is better for warmer climates. This has a softer stem and produces more, smaller cloves. It’s the kind of garlic most commonly found in grocery stores. Choose fresh, firm bulbs from a local nursery or grocery store. Make sure not to use treated garlic, which is sometimes sprayed to prevent sprouting.
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Prepping To Plant Garlic
In India, garlic is typically planted during the cooler months. The best time to plant garlic is from October to November, right after the monsoon season. This timing allows garlic to establish roots before winter and grow steadily through the cooler months, ensuring a good harvest by March to April. In regions with milder winters, planting can extend into early December. Garlic needs loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the top 6-8 inches of soil. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. If your soil has poor drainage, consider planting garlic in raised beds or containers to prevent waterlogging.
Planting Garlic
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Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant the garlic cloves. Gently separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Be careful not to damage them. Each clove will become a new garlic plant. Place each clove 2-3 inches deep, pointed side up. Space the cloves 6-8 inches apart to allow for proper growth. If planting in rows, leave about 12 inches between each row.
After planting, cover the soil with a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the soil during winter.
Caring For Garlic Plants
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Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially during its early growth stages. Water the soil regularly but avoid overwatering. Water deeply about once a week, depending on rainfall.
Fertilise garlic in early spring with a balanced, organic fertiliser. As the garlic grows, you can give it a boost with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser. Garlic doesn’t compete well with weeds, so keep the area weed-free to ensure your plants receive adequate nutrients and sunlight.
If you’re growing hardneck garlic, you’ll notice curly green stems, called garlic scapes, emerging in late spring or early summer. These scapes should be cut off to direct more energy into bulb development. The scapes themselves are edible and can be used in recipes like pesto or stir-fries.
Harvesting Garlic
Garlic is usually ready for harvest in mid to late summer, about 7-8 months after planting. When the lower leaves turn yellow and begin to dry out, while the upper leaves remain green, it’s a sign that the garlic is nearing maturity. Typically, garlic is harvested when 3-5 green leaves remain on the plant. Gently loosen the soil around the garlic bulbs with a garden fork and carefully lift them out. Avoid pulling on the stems, as they can break.
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Curing Garlic
After harvesting, garlic needs to be cured for long-term storage. This helps dry out the outer layers and enhances flavour. Leave the garlic bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. You can hang them in bunches or lay them out on a screen or drying rack. Once cured, trim the roots and cut the stems down to about an inch above the bulb. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Properly stored garlic can last up to 6 months.