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Growing green garlic at home is not only an easy way to get fresh and healthy herbs, but also an opportunity to experiment with gardening
Green garlic is a tasty and healthy herb that can become a real decoration of your “culinary repertoire”. And the best part is that you can grow it right on your windowsill. Gardening blogger Michael Griffiths shared his method, which is so simple that even beginners can get excellent results.
Why you should grow green garlic at home
This herb perfectly complements dishes, giving them a delicate, slightly spicy flavour, reminiscent of the combination of young onions and garlic. In addition, green garlic is rich in vitamins and useful substances, which are especially necessary for our body in the cold season. And it’s also a real pleasure: you can grow it without too much effort and watch fresh herbs sprouting literally before your eyes.
What you’ll need
You will only need a few things to grow green garlic:
- Garlic cloves (it is better to choose fresh ones, without signs of rot or dryness);
- A small container (you can use a cup, glass or small bowl);
- Water (room temperature);
- Sunny location (a windowsill with good natural light is ideal).
How to grow green garlic
- Take a few garlic cloves and carefully peel them from the outer dry shell, but not the skin of the clove itself. This will help them root better.
- Place the cloves in a small bowl or glass so that they stand upright. Add a little water – the water level should only cover the bottom of the cloves.
- Place the bowl with the cloves on a windowsill or other place where there is plenty of sunlight. The most natural light will speed up the growth of green shoots.
- Garlic is very unpretentious, but the water should be changed every 2-3 days to avoid rotting. It is also important to make sure that the cloves do not dry out.
In just a few days you will notice the first green shoots, and in a week and a half you can start harvesting.
How to use green garlic
Once the sprouts reach 10-15cm in height, they can be cut with scissors and added to dishes. Here are some ideas on how to use green garlic in cookery:
- Add to salads for a light garlic flavour;
- Use as a topping for sandwiches or hot sandwiches;
- Add to soups, egg or mashed potatoes;
- To garnish meat and fish dishes to give them a delicate flavour.
Growing green garlic at home is not only an easy way to get fresh and healthy herbs, but also an opportunity to experiment with home gardening. Plus, it grows quickly, requires no special care and will always be on hand. If you like to experiment in the kitchen, then be sure to try this method – the result will pleasantly surprise you.
