Quill Hill Farm has been committed to growing organic garlic, and in this post, we are going to discuss some of the potential benefits that eating organic garlic can have on one’s health.
Quill Hill Farm is part of a growing movement of conscience-minded farmers who are dedicated to farming in a sustainable way that restores the soil, minimizes soil erosion, supports biodiversity, and protects our natural resources. Quill Hill Farm is devoted to growing organic garlic, and we are going to look at some of the health benefits of eating organic garlic.
Importance of organic farming
Promotes Environmental Sustainability: Organic farming practices are beneficial to the health of the soil, as well as to the reduction of pollution, it conserves water, and promotes biodiversity.
Organic farming also ensures that the soil continues to be fertile and productive by avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. This goes a long way to help reduce the negative impact that conventional farming methods have on the surrounding environment.
Produces Healthy Food: Organic farming results in the production of food that is devoid of potentially hazardous chemicals and toxins. Organic foods come from animals that were not given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any other drugs while being raised, and organic crops are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This indicates that organic food is better for the health of consumers because it does not contain any traces of potentially hazardous chemicals.
Supports Local Economies: Organic farming supports local economies by providing employment opportunities, and by promoting the sale of locally produced food. This not only helps to stimulate the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances.
Health benefits of garlic
Boosts Immune System: The immune system can benefit from the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that garlic possesses. Garlic also tastes great. Compounds like allicin, alliin, and ajoene, which have been shown to be beneficial in the fight against infections, are present in it.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Eating garlic can help reduce blood pressure, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. According to research, adding garlic supplements to food can help lower blood pressure.
Reduces Inflammation: Due to the anti-inflammatory properties that garlic possesses, it can assist in decreasing the levels of inflammation in the body. Inflammation that is chronic has been linked to a number of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Improves Cholesterol Levels: Garlic has been shown to help improve cholesterol levels by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Quill Hill Farm’s Garlic Production Process
- Quill Hill Farm’s garlic powder is made fresh from hard-neck garlic.
- Only healthy cloves are used and all skins are removed.
- Every clove is inspected before dehydration.
- Dehydration is done under low temperatures.
- Low-temperature dehydration ensures a raw spicy and rich garlic flavor.
- Medicinal allicin content is kept high.
- Hard-neck garlic has higher sugar content and is more potent than soft-neck varieties.
- Results in a more flavorful garlic powder.
- Each batch takes one week to make at Quill Hill Farm.
- Quill Hill Farm includes meticulous and labor-intensive processes from start to finish.
How garlic is grown at Quill Hill Farm?
Selecting Seed Garlic: At Quill Hill Farm, only the healthiest garlic bulbs are selected as seed garlic for the next growing season. The bulbs are carefully inspected to ensure that they are disease-free and have large, healthy cloves.
Preparing the Soil: The soil is prepared by adding compost and other organic matter to improve the soil’s fertility and structure. The soil is then tilled and prepared for planting.
Planting Garlic: Garlic is planted in the fall, usually in October or November. The cloves are planted about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up.
Mulching: After planting, the garlic bed is covered with a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or leaves. This helps to insulate the soil and protect the garlic from extreme temperatures.
Watering and Weeding: Garlic requires regular watering to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Weeds are also removed regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and to reduce the risk of disease.
Harvesting: Garlic is usually harvested in late summer when the leaves start to turn yellow and dry. The bulbs are carefully dug up and left to dry in a warm, dry place for several weeks.
Curing: After drying, the garlic is carefully cleaned and trimmed. The bulbs are then cured for several more weeks in a well-ventilated area, where they develop their characteristic flavor and aroma.
How garlic is harvested and processed?
Checking for Maturity: Garlic is usually ready to be harvested when the leaves start to turn yellow and dry. To ensure that the garlic is mature, a few bulbs are dug up and checked for size and maturity.
Digging up the Garlic: Once the garlic is mature, it is carefully dug up using a fork or shovel. Care is taken not to damage the bulbs, as this can affect the quality and shelf life of the garlic.
Cleaning and Trimming: After the garlic is dug up, it is cleaned and trimmed to remove any dirt or debris. The roots and outer layers of the skin are also removed.
Sorting and Grading: The garlic bulbs are sorted and graded based on size and quality. Only the best quality bulbs are used for processing, while the smaller or damaged bulbs may be used for cooking or sold as seed garlic.
Drying and Curing: The garlic bulbs are then dried and cured in a well-ventilated area for several weeks. This process helps to develop the characteristic flavor and aroma of the garlic.
Processing: Once the garlic is fully cured, it is processed into various forms, such as fresh garlic, garlic powder, or garlic oil. Quill Hill Farm uses a slow and gentle process to preserve the quality and flavor of the garlic.
Packaging: The processed garlic is then packaged into containers or bags, ready for sale to customers. Care is taken to ensure that the garlic is stored in a cool, dry place to preserve its quality and shelf life.
Using Organic Garlic in Cooking
Organic garlic can be used in cooking soup dishes in any style. Organic garlic can be either mashed, crushed, or diced when added it your meal when cooking.
Quill hill farm produces the best of organic garlic for consumers who are committed to solely patronizing organically grown food.
