UNCLASSIFIED garlics are unusual cultivated varieties whose morphology as plants and bulbs do not accord with any of the horticultural groups. At this point they have been subject neither to molecular nor genetic analysis. These outliers are of particular interest as they are indicative of greater diversity in A. sativum. Some are curiosities which have desirable traits that may yield better in other latitudes and climates; others are productive varieties that express characteristics setting them apart from others. Unclassified garlics are $11 per ¼ lb; $17 per ½ lb; $27 per lb.
Cusco: acquired at an open market in the high Andian city of Cusco, Peru, elevation 11,150 feet. Spanish Conquistadors were responsible for countless atrocities during the years of colonization, slaughtering and exploiting indigenous peoples, while taking back to Europe everything from silver to the potato. One of the few things they introduced to the Americas other than smallpox and other infectious diseases, was garlic. It is possible that’s how this odd gem made it to the Peruvian highlands, though it could have been a selection of a mutation in the centuries since. Here in North America it produces small-medium bulbs with 6-7 squat cloves, it has a sweet flavor with a brief but sharp bite. Very early to mature and exceptional storage, it’s taken a few years for this to adapt here but it’s been improving in vigor and size every season. Peru produces tons of garlic for export but this culitvar does not match commercial varieties. 1/4 lb. limit
Jade Rose: Another very early maturing variety was procured in SW China. The plants look similar to Turbans: low growing with floppy leaves, though the umbels differ. It has 5-6 cloves with light purple coloration. It stores remarkably well for such an early garlic and has a sweet flavor with a flash of bright heat. “Dà suàn” is Mandarin for garlic. 1/4 lb. limit
Lampang (W6 35699) From a roadside stand between Lampang and Lamphon, south of Chaing Mai, Thailand. Garlic production in Thailand is centered in the north of the country. This variety took 5 years to adapt but well worth it. It would still be better suited to a warmer winter at a more southern latitude but it’s now producing sizable bulbs. Like those above it also matures very early along with the Turbans, is medium sized with 6-8 squat cloves with purple mottling. Lampang has a sharp hot bite which lingers. For how early it is harvested, it stores exceptionally well. 1/4 lb limit
Palestinian (W6 27692) small bulbs with 3-5 elongated cloves and multiple sets of bulbils. The plants are early to emerge and have dark, glossy, almost waxy vertical leaves. It has a quick bite that subsides leaving a rich, oily garlic aftertaste. From Khaled Hardan, in whose family it has been cultivated for over a century. Thousands of acres of Palestinian lands have been swallowed by Israeli settlement expansion and wall construction, as well as access to water cut off. This strategy of asphyxiation is peppered by outright violence by setters backed by Israeli soldiers across the occupied lands of Palestine. Many rare (heirloom) plant varieties have been endangered or destroyed, as have those who’ve tended them.
This accession didn’t do well in this climate and latitude and succumbed to the cold winter soil. I am trying to get another sample. When i do it’ll need to be planted in the high tunnel. If you are interested in Palestinian seeds, check out the Palestinian Heirloom Seed Library.
Syrian (W6 10472) has thin upright leaves that form a tight V and has a weak bolting tendency. Small bulbs with 15-20 tiny cloves around a central stem may make this a curiosity for the garlic enthusiast; however, grown at more southern latitudes it can size up well. When winter has been mild, the bulbs size up here too; however, clove size remains small. This variety is representative of a distinct group of Middle Eastern garlics and was acquired at an open market in Aleppo in 1992. This has a two bulb limit which is likely less than 1/4 lb.
Tai Cang grows tall, slender plants with very thin, vertical leaves. Bulbs are white with light purple streaking and 6-8 cloves. Introduced through Seed Savers’ Exchange from the Chinese National Seed Corporation, one might speculate that it came from the SE Chinese prefecture of Taicang. It has a crisp texture, quick spicy bite and fries up well. ½ lb limit