Picked before reaching maturity when the bulb and stalk dries out to a more of a husk, green garlic has a much more fresh and light flavor and texture than garlic cloves. While green garlic, which is also called young or spring garlic, looks more like leeks or scallions, it still carries a distinct garlicy flavor, especially in the bulb. However, its lightness and green stalks make it a great addition to salads, pesto and salsa verde. While most other climates have to wait until spring to see the harvest of green garlic, McClendon's Select is offering it now, thanks to the spring-like local winter climate.
See Also: Lime Radishes from McClendon's Select: This Week's Fresh Pick
Price: $2 per bunch
Vendor: McClendon's Select
Where to Pick It Up: Town and Country Farmers Market, Open Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., Old Town Farmers Market, Open Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.,
What Else to Grab: Meyer Lemons ($2/pound) for a citronette dressing on a salad featuring your green garlic
We would suggest just buying green garlic, even if you don't have a specific recipe in mind. The versatile plant can be easily incorporated into any dish you would use scallions or garlic. Keep in mind, green garlic is mild and doesn't carry the spicy, slight bitterness that it does when it matures. That makes it much easier to eat raw in salads or rough chopped and lightly sautéed in stir-fry or a host of other dishes. It's also a great addition to potato and leek soup. Just make sure to store it like you would a leek or scallion, not like garlic, because the delicate, young green stems will wilt.
