The romantic image of garlic bunches nonchalantly hanging from a kitchen ceiling or wall has gotten a little tastier thanks to ail rose de Lautrec. Its tightly packed bulbs tinged with the slightest blush of pink are usually woven into decorative bouquets or manouilles. Dried flowers are often tucked neatly between the bulbs giving the garlic bunches an even higher aesthetic quality. But the beauty of ail rose de Lautrec goes beyond its appearance.
Pink Garlic History
The story of pink garlic dates back to the middle ages when it first appeared in the region of Tarn. During the 19th century, it was sold at the local markets of Mazamet, Castres en Albi but it wasn’t until the 1950’s, however, that the cultivation of pink garlic really took off. In 1959, small- scale producers making it their mission to deliver a superior product, established the Syndicat de Défense du Label Rouge Ail Rose de Lautrec. By 1966, pink garlic had obtained the Label Rouge certification guaranteeing optimum quality ensured by stringent methods of production.
The Production of Pink Garlic
Today there are 360 hectares in Tarn producing between 400 and 800 tons of pink garlic per year. The garlic is planted during the months of December and January and harvested at the end of June. It is then allowed a minimum drying time of two weeks before the roots are removed and the garlic is peeled down to the last layer of its skin. The final step involves the calibration of the garlic and the packaging or tying into its signature bunches.
A Unique Taste Perfect in a Creamy Soup
Ail rose de Lautrec is loved for its delicately sweet, subtle taste. Compared to white garlic, pink garlic is much milder and therefore less likely to overpower a dish. If stored in a dry, well- ventilated area with a temperature between 12°C - 15 °C, the garlic will remain firm and fragrant for at least six months and up to a year. You can use pink garlic like you would any other garlic but it is especially suitable for dishes which allow its unique flavor to shine through. A perfect example would be this quick and easy pink garlic cream soup. It is not the original one served during the yearly Pink Garlic Festival in August, but it is delicious nonetheless.
Pink Garlic Cream Soup
Serves 4- 6
Ingredients:
- 1.5 L vegetable bouillon
- 175 g crème fraîche
- 10 pink garlic cloves, finely sliced
- finely chopped parsley, to serve
Directions:
- Bring the bouillon to the boil and add the finely sliced pink garlic. Turn down the heat to a simmer and allow the soup to cook gently for five minutes.
- Add the crème fraîche, whisking it in thoroughly.
- Allow the soup to simmer for another minute or two, whisk again and serve immediately with the chopped parsley.
For more information about pink garlic, please visit Ail Rose de Lautrec.
Paola Westbeek - After graduating from Leiden University in 2007, Paola Westbeek decided to follow her heart and begin an exciting career in the world of ...
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