Garlic – the culinary hero that packs a punch of flavour and a myriad of health benefits! If you're ready to spice up your Vegepod garden, look no further than the aromatic allure of growing garlic. Let's delve into the wonders of this cooking essential and discover how to unleash its full potential in your Vegepod.
What garlic grows best and where?
New Zealand boasts a variety of garlic cultivars perfectly suited to different climates. Garlic types such as creole and turbans, for instance, are an ideal choice for regions with milder winters. If you're in a cooler zone, porcelain and rocambole garlics are hardy contenders, showcasing robust flavour in chilly conditions.
Garlic loves well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight and a bit of chill in the air. Regions with cool to cold winters and hot summers are perfect for cultivating this culinary gem.
Cooler temperatures during winter stimulate bulb development, while warm springs contribute to robust growth.
Top tips for growing garlic in your Vegepod
- Choose the right variety: Select a garlic variety suited to your region's climate.
- Planting time matters: Garlic thrives when planted in autumn or early winter. This allows the cloves to establish roots and develop before spring growth.
- Space it right: Garlic needs room to breathe. Plant individual cloves about 15-20 cm apart to give each bulb space to mature.
- Sunlight and soil: Ensure your Vegepod gets plenty of sunlight, and use well-draining soil enriched with compost for optimal garlic growth.
The indoor garlic haven: Vegepod's Kitchen Garden
Don't have an outdoor garden space? Fear not! The Vegepod Kitchen Garden is your ticket to growing garlic indoors. The self-watering design and compact structure make it the perfect haven for cultivating this aromatic bulb year-round.
Now that your garlic is flourishing, why not whip up a Toum Garlic Sauce to elevate your culinary creations? This creamy Lebanese garlic sauce is perfect for dipping, spreading, or smothering your favourite dishes.
Toum Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup peeled garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups vegetable oil (neutral-flavoured)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)
Ice water (as needed)
Instructions:
- In a food processor, blend garlic cloves and salt until you get a fine paste.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil in a very thin stream. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. The mixture will begin to thicken.
- Once the mixture has thickened, add the fresh lemon juice. Continue processing until the sauce reaches a mayonnaise-like consistency.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste the Toum and adjust the salt and lemon juice according to your preference. Enjoy!
Whether you're cultivating garlic outdoors or nurturing it in your Kitchen Garden, Vegepod empowers you to embrace the pungent charm of this culinary superstar.