Chesnok Red garlic is a hardneck variety known for its eye-catching, purple-striped bulbs and robust, hardy growth. Originating from the Republic of Georgia, it thrives in both Northern and Southern States and is celebrated for its sweet, onion-like flavor with a touch of medium heat. Not only is it a long-storing variety, lasting up to 6 months, but it’s also highly versatile in the kitchen, often winning taste tests for its exceptional flavor, especially when roasted or sautéed.
Introduction to Chesnok Red garlic
Chesnok Red garlic is a striking, purple-striped hardneck variety originating in the Shvelisi region of the Republic of Georgia. Known for its robust and very hardy growth, Chesnok Red boasts 6-12 medium-to-large cloves per bulb and features a beautiful red-striped bulb that has great market appeal. It grows well in both Northern and Southern States, needing exposure to cold weather to develop large, flavorful bulbs.
The garlic has a unique flavor profile; it’s often referred to as the best-tasting garlic, offering a sweet, onion-like taste with medium heat. Chesnok Red is a consistent winner in taste tests, particularly when roasted or sautéed.
Culinary enthusiasts often choose Chesnok Red for its award-winning baking qualities; it adds a sweet garlic flavor without the overpowering heat, making it versatile in the kitchen. From basic cooking to specialty dishes like garlic ice cream, Chesnok Red is a go-to.
It is a long-storing variety, with bulbs lasting 4-6 months if properly cured and even into the following spring. Its unique, skinny, bright pinkish-red cloves are eye-catching and change in size yearly. Easy to grow and relatively low-maintenance, Chesnok Red garlic is a rewarding addition to any garden, producing large bulbs even from medium cloves.
Flavor profile of Chesnok Red garlic
Chesnok Red, often celebrated as one of the best-tasting garlics, delivers a sweet and flavorful taste with medium heat when cooked; it resembles the flavor of a sweet onion and is particularly good for baking, stews, and even unique dishes like garlic ice cream.
I find Chesnok Red garlic to have an interesting, perhaps smoky, flavor profile. It can be a bit bitter (but not overly so) and certainly stronger than many other garlic varieties. This is a tasty gourmet variety with a full taste profile.
Growing Chesnok Red garlic at home
Chesnok Red garlic is no harder to grow than any other hardneck variety. You plant the seed cloves in the fall, let them sit in the cold ground during winter, and then watch them sprout in the spring. They develop curled scapes in mid-spring and are usually ready to be pulled up from the ground in early-mid summer.
1. Time your planting
Hardneck garlic is best planted in the fall, usually 4-6 weeks before the first hard frost. This allows the garlic to establish roots before winter, leading to better growth in the spring. Some people like to plant their garlic after the kids go back to school in September, but before Halloween arrives.
2. Choose the right location
Select a well-drained, sunny location with loose, fertile soil. Hardneck garlic prefers a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0, but it is not terribly picky. Consider adding organic matter to the soil for better water retention and fertility. Make sure your soil is well-tilled and free of weeds.
3. Prepare the cloves
Break apart the garlic bulbs into individual cloves shortly before planting. Choose the largest cloves for planting, as they generally produce bigger bulbs.
4. Planting the cloves
Plant the cloves pointy side up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Cover with soil and water well. Optionally, you can add a layer of mulch for added protection against winter cold and to preserve soil moisture.
5. Winter care
In colder climates, cover the planted area with straw or mulch to protect the young plants from harsh winter conditions. Remove this covering when spring arrives, and the threat of frost has passed.
6. Spring maintenance
Once the green shoots emerge in the spring, begin regular watering. You can also apply a slow-release fertilizer if your soil is poor.
Look out for the scapes (garlic flower stalks) that will emerge from hardneck varieties. These should be cut off to direct more energy to the bulb. And you can BBQ them!
7. Harvesting garlic
Hardneck garlic is usually ready for harvest in late spring to early summer when the lower leaves have started to yellow. Loosen the soil around the bulb and pull it out gently.
8. Curing and storage
After harvesting, let the bulbs dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for about 2-3 weeks. Once they are dry, trim the roots and stalks, and store in a cool, dry place.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow hardneck garlic in your garden and enjoy its rich, robust flavors.
Using Chesnok Red garlic in cooking
Chesnok Red garlic is celebrated for its outstanding taste and versatility in cooking. It’s one of the go-to varieties for baking, thanks to its sweet, rich flavor that complements a wide range of dishes. When roasted, its cloves turn creamy and sweet, making them perfect for spreading on warm bread or for incorporating into gravies and sauces. Chesnok Red’s medium heat and onion-like sweetness make it an excellent choice for raw applications as well, such as in salad dressings, salsas, or even homemade garlic ice cream.
In stews and soups, Chesnok Red infuses a depth of flavor that is both robust and nuanced. It is also well-suited for pickling, imparting its unique character to the brine. Given its high storage longevity, you can enjoy the rich, complex flavors of Chesnok Red garlic throughout the colder months, making it a staple in your winter kitchen. Whether you’re sautéeing, roasting, or using it raw, this garlic variety elevates your culinary creations to a new level.
The origin of Chesnok Red garlic
Chesnok Red garlic originated in the Shvelisi region of the Republic of Georgia. Collected in 1985 from the village of Shvelisi, this hardneck variety has become a favored choice for growers and chefs alike. Its rich history and distinct, award-winning flavor profile make it a standout in the garlic world. Chesnok Red garlic is sometimes called ‘Shvelisi’ garlic.
