12 Different Types of Garlic

There are many different types of garlic if you do not know. Garlic is a versatile and flavorful ingredient in many cuisines, adding depth to almost any dish.

Not only is garlic delicious, but it also has various health benefits. With so much to offer, garlic’s no wonder that it is a staple ingredient in many kitchens worldwide.

But did you know that there are actually different types of garlic, each with its unique flavor and uses?

This blog post will explore some of the different types of garlic and how to use them in your cooking.

Different Types of Garlic

1. Turban Hardneck

Turban garlic is a type of hard-neck garlic that is readily available in grocery stores. It has white skin with purple stripes and a strong, spicy flavor that is similar to Asian garlic.

It is used in many dishes, from stir-fries to pasta, and it is also great for roasting.

Additionally, it’s relatively easy to grow and has a long shelf life. The cloves are quite large, and the heads tend to be smaller than the other different types of garlic.

Turban garlic is best used raw or cooked quickly, as its flavor can become bitter when overcooked.

2. Elephant Garlic

Elephant garlic, also known as Great-Hearted Garlic, is a type of hardneck garlic with a mild flavor. It has large, mild cloves and is the largest variety of garlic.

It’s sometimes confused with leeks due to its large size and mild flavor, but it is actually one of the different types of garlic.

Elephant garlic can be used in any recipe that calls for regular garlic, but since it has such a mild flavor, it’s best used in dishes that require a more subtle garlic flavor. It also makes a great addition to stir-fries or salads.

Equally important to note, it is on this list of the different types of garlic out there.

When using elephant garlic in recipes, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have the same strong flavor as regular garlic.

For this reason, it’s often used in smaller quantities or combined with other ingredients to enhance the overall flavor. It can also be roasted or used raw in salads and dips.

Elephant garlic is a great addition to any kitchen and can help bring out the natural flavors of other ingredients.

3. Asiatic Hardneck

Asiatic Hardneck garlic is a type of hardy garlic that originates from Asia and has adapted to many climates. It produces large cloves and has a sweet flavor.

This type of garlic is resistant to cold weather, so it’s a great choice for cold climates.

The cloves can be roasted or used in cooking to add a unique flavor to dishes.

The cloves also have a milder taste compared to the other different types of garlic, making it a good choice for those who don’t like strong garlic flavors.

The Asiatic Hardneck type is typically harvested late in the summer, although it can be stored for long periods of time.

It has a long shelf life and is one of the most popular types of garlic on the market. It is also easy to grow, as it needs very little maintenance and can be grown in various climates.

Asiatic Hardneck garlic is an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a hearty and flavorful addition to their garden.

4. Creole Hardneck

Talk about the different types of garlic; one of the most popular types is Creole Hardneck garlic, and for a good reason.

This type of garlic is known for its strong and rich flavor, making it ideal for many cooking applications.

It has a light brownish-pink hue, and its cloves are slightly smaller than other varieties.

Creole Hardneck is a type of garlic that can be harvested and stored for long periods of time.

This makes it a great choice for chefs who want to be able to store their garlic for later use.

This type of garlic flavor is perfect for adding to savory dishes like soups and sauces.

When it comes to cooking with Creole Hardneck garlic, many different techniques can be used.

Roasting the cloves whole or cutting them into small pieces and sautéing them in butter are both great methods.

This is especially for extracting the flavor and adding a unique twist to your dishes.

Grilling is another great way to bring out the best in Creole hardneck garlic — the smoky flavor imparted by the grill pairs wonderfully with this type of garlic.

No matter what method you choose, Creole Hardneck garlic is sure to enhance your meals with its delicious flavor. Let’s surge with this list of the different types of garlic!

5. Glazed Purple Stripe Hardneck

This type of garlic is a hard-neck variety with purple-striped cloves that are easily recognizable and fragrant.

Glazed Purple Stripe Hardneck garlic has a mild flavor and can be roasted, sautéed, or added to salads and stews.

It’s ideal for creating rich and savory sauces and baked dishes.

This specialty of the different types of garlic is high in antioxidants and is said to have many health benefits.

These include boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation.

It can also be used to help relieve digestive problems such as bloating and gas.

6. Marbled Purple Stripe Hardeck

Marbled Purple Stripe Hardeck is a unique type of garlic that is known for its purple stripes and bulb wrappers.

This variety of garlic originates from Central Asia and has been used in many traditional dishes for centuries.

It has a mild, nutty flavor and is best used when eaten raw or lightly cooked.

This type of garlic can be added to stir-fries or pasta dishes for a distinct flavor when cooked.

Marbled Purple Stripe Hardeck also has a high concentration of allicin, a compound that helps fight inflammation and boost the immune system.

Not to forget, this is likewise one of the many different types of garlic.

Marbled Purple Stripe Hardeck is an excellent choice for those looking for a subtle garlic flavor.

Its mild taste is perfect for adding to salads and other fresh dishes.

It can also be used as a topping on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and even pizza.

This type of garlic is also great for infusing olive oil, butter, or cream with its unique flavor.

Marbled Purple Stripe Hardeck is widely available in grocery stores, making it an easy addition to any dish.

7. Middle Eastern Hardneck

Middle Eastern Hardneck garlic is a unique type of garlic that grows in the Middle East.

It has a strong and distinctive flavor and is usually used as a seasoning or garnish in dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush.

The cloves are smaller than the other different types of garlic and can be used whole or finely chopped.

The flavor is earthy and slightly spicy, making it perfect for adding an extra kick to any dish.

Its high levels of allicin, a naturally occurring compound found in garlic, make it an excellent natural remedy for colds, sore throats, and other minor ailments.

When it comes to cooking with Middle Eastern Hardneck garlic, it’s important to remember that its flavor can quickly become overpowering if it’s overused.

To avoid this, try to use the cloves sparingly, as a garnish or seasoning, rather than as the main component of a dish.

This type of garlic also pairs well with herbs and spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon.

With its strong taste and health benefits, Middle Eastern Hardneck garlic, one of the different types of garlic, is an excellent addition to any kitchen.

8. Porcelain Hardneck

Porcelain Hardneck garlic is considered one of the most flavorful types of garlic.

It is known for its strong flavor and robust taste, which makes it a popular choice for many recipes.

Its large cloves are easy to peel and cook with, making it an excellent addition to any meal.

Also, it is resistant to disease, which helps ensure a longer shelf life. Porcelain Hardneck garlic has a high oil content, providing its distinctive aroma and flavor.

Porcelain Hardneck garlic, one of the different types of garlic, is best used raw or lightly cooked.

When eaten raw, it can have a mild and spicy flavor. It develops a sweet and nutty flavor that enhances the dish’s natural flavors when cooked.

Porcelain Hardneck garlic can also be roasted and added to salads, pasta, soups, stews, and more. No matter how you use it, you will surely enjoy its unique flavor.

9. Purple Stripe Hardneck

Compared to other different types of garlic, Purple Stripe Hardneck garlic is one of the most unique-looking ones. It has a purple-tinged, striped appearance, and its bulbs are quite large.

This type of garlic is also characterized by having a mild flavor with a slight sweetness.

It is one of the most popular types of garlic for roasting, as it retains its flavor while cooking.

Purple Stripe Hardneck garlic is also used in raw dishes, as its mild flavor is great for salads and salsa.

It is often considered one of the best types of garlic for pickling, as the cloves retain their crunchiness and flavor.

When buying Purple Stripe Hardneck garlic, make sure to look for heads that are firm and heavy.

Look for a bright, vibrant color and tightly packed cloves.

Avoid any heads that are soft or have a moldy smell, as these are signs that the garlic is old or not fresh.

If stored correctly, Purple Stripe Hardneck, on our list of the different types of garlic, can last up to 8 months.

To ensure optimal freshness, store this type of garlic in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

10. Rocambole Hardneck

Next to be discussed on this list of the different types of garlic is Rocambole Hardneck garlic, one of the oldest and most popular varieties of garlic.

It has a strong, pungent flavor that makes it ideal for adding depth and complexity to savory dishes. It’s perfect for roasting, braising, and sautéing.

Its thin skins make it easy to peel and work in the kitchen.

Rocambole Hardneck garlic can also be chopped or minced for use in soups, sauces, marinades, and dressings. Its complex flavor adds an earthy yet savory kick to any dish.

11. Artichoke Softneck

Artichoke Softneck garlic is a type of garlic that is native to the Mediterranean region.

This type of garlic has a milder flavor than the different types of garlic out there and is generally easier to peel and prepare.

Artichoke Softneck garlic has a large number of cloves that are arranged in several layers around the bulb.

The skin of this garlic is usually tan or light brown in color, and the cloves are often small, white, and round in shape.

This type of garlic is perfect for adding flavor to dishes without overpowering the other flavors. It can be used to create pesto sauces, roasted vegetables, and soups.

12. Silverskin Softneck

Lastly on this list of the different types of garlic is Silverskin soft neck garlic, a variety of garlic with a mild flavor and a papery outer skin.

This type of garlic is commonly used for pickling and preserving, as it retains its shape and flavor.

Its long shelf life also makes it an ideal ingredient for recipes that require multiple cloves of garlic.

When cooked, the cloves taste slightly sweet and can be roasted or used in stir-fries, sauces, and marinades.

It can also be minced or chopped and added to salads, pasta dishes, soups, stews, and more.

Silverskin soft-neck garlic is easy to store, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners or those who want to grow their own garlic.

What’s more about this one of the different types of garlic? It stores well in a cool, dry place and should last up to eight months. It is also easy to peel and chop when preparing it for recipes.

To sum up, this type of garlic has a moderate heat level, making it suitable for most dishes.

For those who want more intense flavor and heat, adding more cloves can easily turn up the heat in any dish.

Conclusion

Garlic is an incredibly versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes. But did you know there are actually several different types of garlic?

Each type has its own flavor profile and culinary uses, so learning about the different varieties can help you choose the right one for your dish.

In this blog post, we looked at different types of garlic and how to use them.