An essential element in cuisines around the world, garlic enjoys near mythic status among cooks, chefs, foodies, and enthusiasts of natural remedies. Worldwide, garlic cultivation occupies over 2 million acres of farmland, an area that has more than doubled since 1970. Yet even garlic fanciers may be unable to tell hardneck from softneck, or Purple Stripe from Rocambole, not to mention the hundreds of cultivated varieties grown today, many with distinct differences in taste and character.

In fact, the wealth of garlic varieties in nearly a dozen horticultural groups rivals that of corn, carrots, apples, and peaches. This book is the most comprehensive and in-depth guide available to what surely should be the next gourmet frontier. From 'Ajo Rojo' to 'Zemo', Meredith presents illustrated profiles of nearly 150 cultivars. Detailed chapters cover natural history, the history of garlic in cultivation, the nuances of cuisine and culture, therapeutic benefits, plant structure, how to cultivate, curing and storage, taxonomy, pests and diseases, and chemistry.

Especially useful are the Quick Guides, which summarize information on growing and buying garlic and provide recommendations for the best-tasting cultivars for specific uses and climates. Lists of garlic sources and organizations are a boon to the aficionado. Whether you share Ted Jordan Meredith's "garlic affliction" or just find the pungent bulb indispensable, you'll understand it as never before with this meticulously researched, lovingly written exploration.

Think you know garlic? Think again.

"A comprehensive guide to the vegetable, including its history, cultivation and cultural use."

La Cucina Italiana

"A garlic aficionado whose verve and thoroughness are evident in this outstanding work, Meredith cites not only his personal experience but also numerous scientific studies while writing of garlic's natural history, structure, cultivation, taxonomy, diseases, and chemistry... Beautifully illustrated, and one of the most comprehensive garlic books in recent years, this is highly recommended."

- Library Journal

“The aroma of garlic nearly wafts from the pages of this delectable book. . . Where this book breaks ground is in the idea of growing garlic ornamentally as well as in its precise information on how to harvest and store this most pungent of bulbs. . . . And the photos are stunning.”

Ted Jordan Meredith has long been fascinated by garlic, and over the years has grown and investigated literally hundreds of cultivars in nearly a dozen horticultural groups. His previous book, Bamboo for Gardens, was awarded The New York Times Editor's Choice for Best Books for gardening.

Publisher: Timber Press
Distributor: Workman Publishing Company
Publication Date: 08-15-2008
Pages: 332
Measurements: 10.0in X 8.0in