Violet Garlic in France and National Garlic Day in Australia
Violet garlic
Garlic is an essential ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including French cuisine. France is famous for its culinary traditions, and one of its prized ingredients is violet garlic. This type of garlic is known for its unique flavor and violet-hued skin, making it a popular ingredient in a variety of French dishes.
The cultivation of violet garlic in France dates back to the 19th century, with the town of Cadours being the primary region for its growth. The Haute-Garonne department of southwestern France is where the majority of violet garlic is grown today, but it can also be found in other regions, such as the Loire Valley.
Violet garlic is a type of soft-neck garlic that has a slightly milder taste than other types of garlic. The garlic has a slightly sweet taste with hints of hazelnut, making it ideal for sauces, marinades, and other dishes where a milder garlic flavor is desired.
One of the most famous dishes in which violet garlic is used is aioli. This traditional Provencal dish is a garlic mayonnaise that is served with fish, vegetables, or grilled meats.
Escargots de Bourgogne
The recipe for aioli typically includes garlic, olive oil, egg yolks, and lemon juice blended together in a food processor to create a thick and creamy sauce. The addition of violet garlic gives aioli a beautiful purple hue and a more delicate flavor.
Another popular French dish that incorporates violet garlic is escargots de Bourgogne, which are snails cooked in a garlic and herb butter sauce and served in their shells with a slice of crusty bread. The addition of violet garlic to the butter sauce gives the dish a unique flavor and a beautiful purple color.
Violet garlic is also valued for its health benefits. It contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, and is believed to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
While violet garlic is a staple of French cuisine, it is not as widely available outside of France. However, it is possible to find imported violet garlic in specialty food stores or online. It is also possible to grow your own violet garlic at home, although it can be a bit tricky to cultivate. Violet garlic prefers a warm, dry climate and should be planted in the fall for a harvest the following summer.
National Garlic Day Australia
Now, while we celebrate the beauty and flavor of violet garlic in France, it is worth noting that April 19th is National Garlic Day in Australia. This day celebrates the versatile ingredient and its use in many Australian dishes. Garlic is a staple in many cuisines around the world, and its health benefits make it a popular ingredient in many households.
In Australia, National Garlic Day in Australia is an opportunity to celebrate the many health benefits and delicious flavors of garlic. Garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of some types of cancer.
There are many ways to celebrate National Garlic Day in Australia. You can try a new garlic recipe or use garlic in a dish that you already love. You can also visit a local farmer's market or specialty food store to find unique varieties of garlic, such as violet garlic from France.