ROCAMBOLE garlics are stocky plants with broad closely spaced leaves and scapes that form tight coils. They have rich, well rounded, outstanding flavor which is brought out by cold winter temperatures. Most Rocambole strains have a tendency to produce “doubles.” This is when there are two or more cloves, often enjoined in flesh, in a single clove wrapper. While this is a boon in the kitchen, planting double cloves will result in two (or more) plants that become smaller bulbs. Rocamboles are easy to peel due to loose clove skins and, consequently, they are susceptible to desiccation, thus store poorly; however, they are tolerant to higher humidity in storage than those from most other horticultural groups. Rocamboles will produce approximately 50-60 cloves per pound. Rocamboles are $11 per ¼ lb; $17 per ½ lb.
Italian Purple: This has been in commercial circulation for awhile with slightly differing names. While it’s unclear when it was brought from Italy, much less wherein, it is a solid Rocambole: purple mottled wrappers, easy peeling, short storage. The flavor is complex though not too spicy. 1 lb. limit
Russian Red: medium bulbs with 6-8 brown cloves with a bit of darker purple-red blush, it has a full rounded flavor. Brought to Canada in the 19th century by Doukhobor refugees, who fled religious persecution in the Russian Empire. The Doukhobors are a devout sect of Anabaptist Christians that were obstinately anti-government and pacifist, refusing pledge allegiance to the Tsar, much less serve in his military. They resided in southern Georgia before migrating to Saskatchewan with the aid of such seminal figures as Leo Tolstoy and the anarchist, Pytor Kropotkin. It seems likely that they picked up the garlic from their time in the Caucasus of Georgia, carrying it with them to where most eventually settled in British Columbia. 1/4 lb. limit
Osage: The bulbs are small to medium with 5-8 reddish brown cloves and an oily flavor. Said to be cultivated by the Osage Indians as far back as the early 18th century. The Osage had good trade relations with the French who likely introduced this Rocambole to the tribe who resided in what is now Western Missouri. They were, like most Native Americans, displaced from their traditional lands by the U.S. Government in what in modern terms would be called “ethnic cleansing”. Eventually corralled onto a barren reservation in Oklahoma, they had the mixed fortune to settle atop significant oil deposits, leading to both unexpected prosperity and protracted, terrifying violence and exploitation in the early 20th century known as the Osage Murders. There is a lot of diversity within the Rocambole horticultural group and this diminutive garlic is a distinctive variety that may have adapted at any point in its journey as have those who cultivated it along the way. 1/4 lb. limit
Ukrainian Red: This richly flavored Rocambole has been in circulation in the US for several years though i cannot find origin data on it. There are several garlic varieties in Ukraine’s national registry but they appear to be Porcelain and Marbled types, not Rocambole. Since the war Ukraine’s garlic production has gone down significantly and is now producing a mere 30% of its own needs. It had been a major crop, with 150 acre fields is now seldom more than 5 acre plots. The war has drastically affected farming in Ukraine due occupation of lands in agricultural regions, the outright violence of the war as well as severe shortage of essential labor. Vast tracks of land are cratered from bombing and unexploded mines will be a hazard for many years to come. The garlic has 10-12 cloves on medium to large bulbs and excellent flavor.