Every month we feature a fruit or vegetable that is in season, along with a fun fact or recipe idea.
An odd one this month: fresh garlic, also known as green garlic or spring garlic. When we presented the AgroKatina report and pocket guides to the public during an event at Vincent’s Eco Farm, we asked the participants what their favourite local vegetable or fruit is. We were not surprised to hear that most people love the Maltese oranges, pomegranates, tomatoes and strawberries. However, one participant did catch us by surprise, and mentioned fresh garlic as their favourite Maltese vegetable. While unexpected, it is not without reason as fresh garlic is a delicious and special ingredient, which is why we decided to put it in the spotlight this month!
Fresh garlic is actually the young version of the garlic bulb as we know it. Before the bulb separates into cloves, it starts out as a green plant, with a bulb, stalk and leaves, much like its sibling the spring onion. If left in the soil long enough they will also develop garlic scapes, the plant’s flower buds, which are edible too.
This year we published the AgroKatina report about the local fruit & vegetable supply chain, and the pocket guide highlighting when local fruits & veggies are in season. Find out more on www.foemalta.org/agrokatina, where you can also order a free copy of the pocket guide.
Fresh garlic butter
Obviously, garlic goes with just about anything, but to really let the delicate and fresh flavor of the green garlic shine, try using it in this garlic butter, alongside other seasonally abundant products: parsley and lemon:
Ingredients:
Bunch chopped parsley
1 small shallot, finely minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Bulb, stalk and leaves of 2 fresh garlic, finely minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
Method:
Mix all ingredients together and press butter into a shape, then transfer to the fridge to let it harden, before serving it with warm bread, soup, roasted vegetables, or anything really!
This activity has been funded with support from the EU and co-financed by the Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs, and Civil Liberties. This project reflects the views only of the author, and funders cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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