Just Dug

Garlic is a supermarket staple. The heads you can find at your local store are usually somewhat aged as evidenced by their light weight and the prominent green germ at the center of each clove. The garlic we picked up last week at the farmer's market is a totally different product. The bulbs were smooth and heavy with a beautiful purple and white skin. There was a long stem through the center of the bulb which translated into fewer cloves. This was more than made up for by the quality of the garlic. The individual cloves were almost luminescent, shiny and smooth, crisp and juicy, with a sweeter, cleaner flavor than any other garlic we've tasted. If you see fresh summer garlic at your local green market, don't hesitate. Grab it immediately and use it as soon as you can. You won't be disappointed.