10,000 Years of Flavourful Alli-YUM

Kelli McRobert | Sep 07, 2022

You either love it or hate it. Garlic (Allium Sativum) has been around for thousands of years and most historians will agree that it was originally in Central Asia (4000BC) before making it’s way to North America. King Tut’s tomb had a buried clay model of it and it was once even used as currency. With over 300 varieties now being grown worldwide, it is no wonder that visitors could feel somewhat overwhelmed as they roamed the vendor tables in Verona this past weekend.

Over 1150 visitors stopped by the Garlic Festival where growers in previous years would vie for the coveted Paul Pospisil - Awards including best single bulb, variety display, educational display, and braid. Paul passed away a few years ago, however, his name is still remembered fondly amongst this close-knit community. Vendors educated guests with creative recipes, beautiful displays, and tasty treats to sample including honey, cookies, and a variety of sauces.

One vendor, from Wasaga, had been coming for years, selling bamboo sheets and pillows.

“It it was a good fit for our product and orders come in well in advance of the event, so they can pick it up onsite, and meet us in person,” he said.

I also spoke with Paul Irwin from Boars Rock Farm, who drove in from Meaford, Ontario. He, and his wife Lorraine, have been greeting customers and attending the event for the past 4 years. During our conversation he noted that his main commercial crop on their 100-acre farm is certified organic garlic. He started 12 years ago, with 5 garlic bulbs, and is now at 50,000. His passion for garlic is clear as he explains the health benefits and gushes about the savoury black garlic and honey fermented garlic that is a staple in his home. Some of the benefits include:

• Boost/support immune system
• Aid digestion
• Support healthy blood pressure levels
• Help achieve or maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Fight cold and flu symptoms
• Aid body with detoxification

The powerful medicinal properties have been documented through generations and civilizations as scientists continue researching the natural organosulfur compounds that are found along with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin c, manganese, vitamin b6 and selenium to name but a few.

His future ambitions are to continue with hay, chickens for their own personal use, and focus on their secondary commercial venture of dried garlic powders. He went on to mention that during the COVID shutdown they built their own commercial kitchen so they could continue to manufacture a powdered blend for their customers.

“We ship all over Canada” he noted “and we have a large variety of blends including a garlic butter seasoning that is awesome on popcorn, chicken and roasted vegetables.” For those that like things a bit spicier, he mentioned a new blend called ‘Dragon’s Breath’ that readers can find online through their website: www.puremusicgarlic.com

When I investigated the name, it turns out that Music is a type of garlic, a lightbulb moment! You must pop over to their website where you can see the variety of products offered and a little glimpse into their travels to Ireland and about their farm. They will be attending a few more festivals over the next few weeks and look forward to coming back to Verona next year. www.boarsrockfarm.ca

For more information about garlic and cooking tips, check out the Garlic Growers of Ontario website at https://www.garlicgrowersofontario.com/garlic-cooking-tips