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The Garlic Farmers' Blog
The Garlic Farmer - Colin Boswell has spent years exploring Garlic’s history and origins, experimenting with the many different varieties here on "the Island". He is widely regarded as the UK authority on all things Garlic.
Spring Garlic
16th Apr, 2019
. Spring is in the air, and whilst this time of year is traditionally known as ‘the hungry gap’ by British farmers (for its lack of fresh produce to harvest), there’s still a wealth of seasonal garlic treats available to...
A Fashion for Fermentation
12th Mar, 2019
by Josephine Boswell. In the lead up to our next Fermentation Workshop here at the farm on 18 th April run by fermentation guru – and daughter of The Garlic Farm’s Colin Boswell – Josephine Boswell, from Cooking With Josephine...
Spring planting
26th Feb, 2019
If you didn’t get round to planting any garlic last autumn, there’s no need to panic – you can still enjoy a bountiful crop of homegrown garlic this summer with our special spring-planting bulbs : Solent Wight, Tuscany Wight, Picardy...
Garlic: The Heart of Flavour for Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes
8th Feb, 2019
Whether you’re embracing a new vegan diet, having Meat-free Mondays, cutting back on salt, or simply upping your vegetable intake with more vegetarian cooking, garlic is key to ensuring your food still packs a punch on the flavour front. Naturally,...
The Elephants are coming!
14th Nov, 2018
> . . Seed, soil and skill. Elephant Garlic needs a little understanding to be fully appreciated! Here, Garlic Farmer Colin Boswell gives some background into how this exceptional plant came into being, and explains how to grow your own...
Garlic For Gut Health
17th Oct, 2018
. There has been much press recently about probiotics, and whether consuming quantities of these ‘good’ bacteria in bio-yoghurts or drink supplements improves the digestive health of everyone who take them. Pre biotics are less well-known, and their nutritional benefits...
Planting Season is Here!
25th Sep, 2018
For many gardeners, the onset of autumn signals the annual tradition of planting next summer’s crop of garlic. Late September through to December is the optimal time to start planting autumn planting varieties of garlic. Spring varieties can be planted...
The Ultimate Bloody Mary
7th Aug, 2018
. . Although a small Island, the Isle of Wight is home to a growing collection of quirky, high quality food producers. With a strong sense of community and short distances between farms and facilities, collaboration is thriving. A fun...
Garlic – Our European Union
1st Aug, 2018
. We have grown garlic on the Isle of Wight for over fifty years and a large part of our enthusiasm and specialism in this crop is due to our close relationships with partner farms in Europe. Pioneered by my...
Garlic For Insomnia
20th Jun, 2018
Garlic boasts many attributes in addition to its unique flavour, but we bet you’ve never been told that it can tackle insomnia!. Amongst its other valuable nutrients, garlic contains zinc and high concentrations of sulfurous compounds like allicin, both of...
The Dark Art of Black Garlic
14th May, 2018
Black Garlic is a magical substance. But for those who are daunted by what to do with the coal-coloured cloves, we’re here to demystify the black bulb, and show you how to celebrate its unique flavour. Black Garlic is made...
Garlic For Health - the amazing health benefits of consuming garlic
25th Apr, 2018
Allium Sativum, better known to us all as garlic, has been celebrated for centuries for both its unique taste and life-enhancing qualities. And whilst many of us are content to consume garlic for its delicious flavour alone, it’s gratifying to...
Smoked Garlic Q&A
12th Apr, 2018
Our garlic bulbs in their pure unadulterated state are hard to beat. But sometimes, a twist on an everyday ingredient can add extra interest to a favourite recipe. And because smoked garlic is partially pre-cooked, it has a mellow, distinctive...
It's the the most wonderful time of the year... for garlic planting!
13th Dec, 2017
. Forget the mince pies for now and get your hat, gloves and boots on! If you have not yet planted your garlic cloves for harvest next June/July, now is definitely the time to do so. Our garlic is divided...
Meet us at Farmers Markets, Country Shows, Food Fairs and other events…
15th Aug, 2017
. . Talking directly to the people involved in making the food that you buy is one of the ways to turn shopping from a chore into a more rewarding experience. Coupled with the ability to ‘try before you buy’,...
Is your concern over Garlic Breath holding back your garlic consumption?
7th Aug, 2017
. Read on and learn how to mitigate the anti-social side effects of eating garlic…. As the garlic harvest gets into full swing, it’s the time to enjoy and appreciate garlic’s abundance, get fully garlicky and make the most of...
Spring is Sprung!
28th Mar, 2017
. April is almost here and everywhere on the farm new life is bursting through. Our Elephant Garlic crop looks as good as any we have had. Its recovered from the salt burn from the prevailing winter winds coming in...
Spring Garlic Planting and Maintenance
1st Feb, 2017
If you’ve already planted…. . If you’ve already planted autumn varieties, there is little for you to do for your crop right now as you wait for the first shoots to appear. In the case of Elephant Garlic planted early...
Beat the winter bugs with garlic?...
18th Jan, 2017
Roman soldiers were fed it for strength, Greek athletes ate it for stamina, the Egyptians took it with them to the afterlife, Ancient Chinese used it to aid digestion and Ancient Indian healers used it to treat leprosy. But is...
Now is the time to plant your spring garlic!
6th Jan, 2017
What is spring garlic?. . In certain regions extending from Russia through to California, some garlic types known as Silverskins, usually pink, silvery skinned softnecks, have been selected by local farmers as they grow well from an increasing temperature profile...
Garlic Recipes For Christmas
16th Dec, 2016
. Get your garlic on this Christmas with these recipe ideas to bring great garlic flavour to your table. Christmas Turkey with 40 cloves of garlic. Prepare at least 3 bulbs worth of garlic cloves by bashing the whole bulb...
Planning your garden with Garlic: companion planting
28th Oct, 2016
. If you are about to plant your garlic, it’s a good time to think about companion planting and this might help your garlic and other garden plants do well. Garlic is a great deterrent to common garden pests. This...
The Garlic Farm Garlic Fertiliser: the easy way to larger, better tasting, healthier bulbs.
6th Oct, 2016
. Is it magic? No, it’s: 5-12-20+3%MgO+24%SO 3 Don’t switch off!! We can explain everything…. Our Garlic Fertiliser is specifically designed for use on any garlic variety, regardless of soil type in your garden. What are the benefits?. In a...
Garlic Growing for Novices
10th Sep, 2016
A Step-by- step guide to growing your own garlic from the experts As our many garlic seed customers can testify, growing garlic is exceptionally easy and rewarding. One bulb of garlic when broken into cloves and planted can reap 10-20...
The Garlic Farm is proud to be the UK expert in garlic growing.
17th Aug, 2016
The Garlic Farm is proud to be the UK expert in garlic growing. Our garlic cultivating experience is unrivalled in the UK and thanks to our many years of research and travels, our relatively small family-run company is now globally...
The Garlic Festival on the Isle of Wight 2016
8th Aug, 2016
. The Garlic Festival 2016 takes place at Fighting Cox Cross Roads on 20 th and 21 st August 10am – 6pm. Tickets are available via Red Funnel:. http://www. redfunnel. co. uk/island-guide/isle-of-wight-events/isle-of-wight-events-july-to-september/the-garlic-festiva For the love of Garlic…. The first Newchurch...
Summer is happening on The Garlic Farm!
28th Jul, 2016
. Most of the garlic has now been harvested with just some of the later planted Solent Wight remaining in the ground for another couple of weeks. This means we now have new season elephant garlic and a variety of...
Cooking with garlic, garlic types and true garlic seed!
8th Jul, 2016
. We have a stand at the Hampton Court Flower Show every year. This year we decided to provide the horticulturally minded visitors to the stand with some essential bite sized garlic facts relating to the growing and propagating of...
June update: Seed Garlic, Harvesting, Glamping and Events!!
29th Jun, 2016
. Seed garlic is now available to pre order online for delivery from mid September onwards. We have a fantastic selection of growing garlic this year including a NEW Heritage type from the Black Sea named Lyubasha. It produces beautiful...
Green Garlic Spring Onions… otherwise known as wet garlic, young garlic, aillé (French) or garlic scallions.
19th May, 2016
. . What is it?. . Green garlic spring onions are simply garlic plants that have not yet reached full maturity. Green garlic can be harvested at various stages of maturity and these Green Garlic Spring Onions are the earliest...
Dead Sea Garlic in Israel
27th Apr, 2016
. The Garlic Farmer Colin Boswell visits the Dead Sea Garlic in Israel. This is the lowest garlic on Earth, at over 400 meters below sea level, The garlic fields are by the Dead Sea, and in sight of the...
Watch us on Mary Berry's Foolproof Cooking BBC2 series
3rd Feb, 2016
. Mary Berry and her crew came and spent a beautiful afternoon on the farm where they learned about different garlic types and Mary even tried some of our Black Garlic Beer! Lots of really great and simple recipe ideas...
Ode Tae The Garlic
27th Jan, 2016
ODE TAE THE GARLIC – Heather Follis. Tae feed the Rich. Tae feed the Poor. We grow the pretty garlic flow’er. As way below her smellie feet. A bulb so strong and precious sweet. Sae well fed an’ tasty too....
Boost into a healthier 2016 with more garlic in your life
25th Jan, 2016
. If you’re after a slightly easier new year’s resolution than cutting out sugar and chocolate or doing more exercise why not make your resolution to EAT MORE GARLIC !. Here’s all the wonderful things garlic can do for you:....
Garlic Planting this Spring
1st Jan, 2016
. . If you haven’t yet planted your garlic, don’t worry, there is still plenty of time to get your garlic in the ground. In fact, certain varieties of garlic do better when planted from January to March. Select from...
Holidays on The Garlic Farm
27th Dec, 2015
. Wondering where to go in 2016? Come and stay with us in one of our Holiday Cottages on the farm. Here’s a few reasons we think you’ll love it:. Beautiful cottages in a gorgeous location at the foot of...
Boxing Day Recipe Ideas
23rd Dec, 2015
. Nothing better than a spread of Christmas meats & cheese with a delicious selection of chutneys. Our favourites for Boxing Day are Celebration Chutney , Onion Marmalade, Pear & Date Chutney and any of our mayonnaises for the perfect...
All about… Smoked Garlic
23rd Nov, 2015
In the darkening days of autumn, it’s easy to pine for the summer – for warmer weather, long balmy evenings, and al fresco barbecues. But autumn and winter bring their own delights, and comfort foods like garlic-infused roast chicken, spicy...
Garlic gets the girl: Forget aftershave - just eat garlic to attract women, study finds
12th Nov, 2015
. . The Telegraph:. . Scientists finds that sweat of men who had eaten the bulb smelt more attractive to women because it suggests the person is healthy. Read the full story here. . . . Daily Mail Online:. ....
Christmas Parties at The Garlic Farm
28th Oct, 2015
Have your Christmas party at the farm in our renowned restaurant. The restaurant is open Friday and Saturday evenings throughout December. If you are more than 20 people we can open any evening. . Christmas Menu 01983 865378 | www....
What is Black Garlic?
21st Oct, 2015
. . Black garlic is not some Halloween-themed version of the clove. Nor is it garlic that’s been sitting around longer than usual until the health-boosting bulb has shrivelled into a blackened fossil. On the contrary, black garlic is being...
Weddings at The Garlic Farm
20th Oct, 2015
. We host fabulous weddings at The Garlic Farm. The perfect rustic environment for a charming rural wedding in a unique location. We can provide: use of our Allium Cafe and Restaurant or use of our education room and taste...
Time To Plant Garlic
6th Oct, 2015
. It’s October and it’s time to start planting your garlic. Here’s a quick reminder of what you need to do:. ·Break the garlic bulb into cloves just before planting, no longer. ·Plant small cloves at 4"/100mm and larger cloves...
Pickled Garlic
26th Aug, 2015
Whether you grow your own, or get your supplies from The Garlic Farm , there’s an abundance of fresh garlic at this time of year. Garlic will keep well for months, if it is stored in a cool, dark environment....
THANK YOU GARLIC TEAM!!!
21st Aug, 2015
. Teamwork is probably the single most important word on the farm. We are garlic specialist so in one way our activity is quite focused but the reality is that there is a lot going on with the producing and...
Summer BBQs and Al Fresco Dining... Garlic Farm Style!
31st Jul, 2015
. . We love cooking with our legendary fresh garlic all year round but, in the summer months, when barbecues, beach and picnics beckon, our delicious range of ready-made garlic sauces, dressings and mayonnaises make al fresco feasting fabulously quick...
All About Elephant Garlic
26th Jun, 2015
With our Elephant Garlic harvest beginning in earnest, we thought we should give our fellow garlic-lovers a quick run-down on this gargantuan bulb, and explain what we think makes it so special – to grow, to cook, and to eat!....
Fifteen at The Garlic Farm
28th May, 2015
When Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’ apprentices visited the Isle of Wight recently, they enjoyed a sunny afternoon at The Garlic Farm, learning about the different varieties of garlic we grow, and what we do with the finished product!. . Resident garlic...
Garlic Scapes: What they are and what to do with them.
20th May, 2015
. . Before hardneck garlic bulbs (such as Elephant Garlic, Chesnok Wight, Purple Moldovan and Lautrec Wight) fully mature and are ready to be harvested, they throw out long, curly scapes- the flower head of the plant. Left to their...
So where is all the garlic?
20th May, 2015
. . It has come to our attention that many of our wonderful visitors to the farm have been wandering out into the fields and have perhaps found themselves feeling a little perplexed, scratching theirs heads and saying “so where...
Wild Garlic, Ransoms, Buckrams, Allium Ursinum!
17th May, 2015
. Radio 2’s breakfast show with Chris Evans has found The Garlic Farm! We’ve been invited to speak about Wild Garlic on the breakfast show on Monday morning so thought we’d tell you a little about it, what it is,...
Eat your greens - What to do with Wet, Green Garlic
30th Apr, 2015
. As passionately committed garlic fans, we are always looking for new and delicious ways to consume our favourite foodstuff. And for a few short months each year, just before the majority of our garlic has fully matured, green garlic...
The Chemistry Behind Cooking With Garlic
11th Apr, 2015
We all know and love the intriguing flavour that garlic brings to our food. From its starring role in buttery garlic bread or fresh pesto, to the subtle but essential kick it lends bolognese sauce or roast lamb, garlic plays...
Garlic Breath!
20th Feb, 2015
At The Garlic Farm we don’t tend to worry too much about garlic breath. In fact, we love the smell! We have learnt a few things about it though and since you’ve probably been wondering, here’s the scoop. Garlic breath?...
A Cure for the Common Cold
19th Jan, 2015
Ever since I chewed my first garlic clove as an adolescent, to give offence to and gain attention from, those around me, I have heard garlic extolled for its health properties. At The Garlic Farm we have always focussed on...
Happy New Year!
7th Jan, 2015
Happy New Year to you all. The first week in January, we are making our plans for the new year and watching as crops emerge during this warm spell. Our Elephant garlic is looking as well as I have ever...
Colin’s World Garlic Connections
19th Sep, 2014
The first World Garlic Congress took place in Madrid in February this year. As the keynote speaker, I addressed 150 of the world’s key garlic players old and new. This was an opportunity for us to network and share knowledge...
Opening the Buchlovice Garlic Festival, Moravia
1st Aug, 2014
In July, I travelled with my wife Jenny to Buchlovice, Moravia where I was honoured to open their annual Garlic Festival. It was exciting and fascinating to be with thousands of Czech people dedicated to their own garlic heritage. A...
Harvest time at the farm
1st Jul, 2014
We are in full harvest swing here at the farm. Having completed a very successful Elephant Garlic harvest a few weeks ago, we launched straight into pulling up our Provence Wight variety and what a whopper! The bulbs are coming...
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