Silver Skin Variety

Silverskin garlics are in a class by themselves, literally, and in several ways; they are the last garlics to mature each season and they store the longest. There is also a great range of tastes, pungency and onset of pungency, clove color, leaf color and size as well as time of maturity. No other garlics braid better than Silverskins. Silverskins are great garlics for all the reasons outlined above but also because they will grow well in most of the USA, what's not to like?

Silverskin garlics are usually, but not always, the ones that you see in braids. Silverskins are generally the longest storing of all garlics and have a soft pliable neck that lends itself to braiding and holds up over time better than the artichokes whose necks tend to deteriorate earlier than the silverskins.

They are usually very richly flavored in garlickiness and anywhere from mild to hot in pungency. S & H Silverskin, for example, has a musky, earthy garlickiness with very little bite when eaten raw, whereas Locati can be fiery hot some years. Silverwhite also has a richness to it and seems almost mellow for 15 to 20 seconds and then you experience an intense heat rush that lasts for about 30 to 45 seconds. Nootka Rose has that same richness but with only a medium heat. I have been amazed at the variation in tastes and flavors I have found in Silverskins.

Nootka Rose (Silverskin)

Nootka Rose is a beautiful bulb, silky smooth skins with some pink blush on outer cloves. Great flavor for a softneck variety. It has a long shelf life and makes for a great looking braid. Originated at Nootka Rose Farm on Waldron Island in the San Juan islands of Puget Sound, Washington. Averages 14 cloves per bulb.

Spanish Morado (silverskin hardneck)

The taste is outstanding -- spice starts slow and builds to raging hot. Said to be wonderful in stir-fries or garlic bread. This is another one we can hardly wait to taste! Averages 5 cloves per bulb, bulbs are naturally smaller in size.