Buy California Garlic instead of Chinese Garlic

Musings with Melinda Luke

Many people think of California as the garlic capital of the world when, in fact, most of our garlic actually comes from China. Because production costs in China are much lower, Chinese garlic costs less. As Chinese garlic continues to flood our markets, California growers are less likely to choose garlic as a crop, since it so much less profitable now. Less than 10 years ago, all of our garlic was grown in this country. Now less than 40% is grown here.

When shopping for produce, how do you tell the difference between domestic and Chinese garlic? Garlic bulbs with roots scooped off the bottom (leaving a clean concave) are Chinese. The scooping lowers the weight and thus the shipping costs, but it also removes contaminated soil – something that is required by U.S. law. Domestic bulbs, on the other hand, come with roots attached - sometimes. While American growers are free to leave the roots on the bulbs, if a grower believes that rootless bulbs are prettier and more desirable to shoppers, then he can remove them, making his domestic garlic look just like Chinese garlic. Is there a difference in quality? Yes, CA garlic routinely scores a higher BRIX scale rating (sugar content) than Chinese. Also, Chinese garlic is noted by chefs for its metallic bitterness.

So what are you to do? You have several options. One, just keep buying the same garlic at the same place you always have and ignore the controversy. Two, buy garlic at the grocery store that’s certified organic and labeled with its domestic source. Three, buy from a local farmer’s market or a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm. Four, grow your own. If you are concerned about the origin of your products and how it is grown, planting your own garden is the best way to guarantee your family is eating pesticide-free fruits and vegetables.

I have a farm I would like to mention where you can get just about anything. Check out www.majesticmoonranch. org. It is located in Franktown. And you will love their facebook page, so look for Majestic Moon Ranch!