The Georgian Fire is a Porcelain hardneck garlic prized for its soaring and spicy bite and large cloves that are easy to peel. It comes from the Republic of Georgia and offers a kind of concentrated heat that sings in raw preparations like salsa or finely minced dressings, but mellows and deepens as the preparations are being roasted, thus lending itself beautifully to different kitchen approaches.
For cooks and growers alike, Georgian Fire is prized for bulbs with a very strong flavor, lovely skins, and good keeping quality. Many tasting notes refer to it as one of the "hottest" porcelain types, bringing out warming heat to the palate that goes exceptionally well with hearty-type preparations and provides a tangy dance in sauces and marinades. Almost like an icing on the cake: the large cloves are, of course, highly appreciated by chefs who find peeling ambitious and like a huge yield per bulb.
For home gardeners, Georgian Fire Garlic ranks well between flavor, hardiness, and a reputation for performing well in cooler climates. It generally develops 4-6 large cloves per bulb and stores well through the winter months, making it much adored by market growers and home cooks. Georgian Fire garlic is an excellent choice for attractive gardens, as well as for yieldful culinary use, for planting for the subsequent season.
Many reputable sellers list Georgia Fire for sale at different times of the year, often as certified organic seed-rate bulbs for fall planting or harvested bulbs for immediate culinary use. Keep an eye on sellers who provide informed planting and storage instructions when sourcing, and consider whether or not bulbs are certified organic if that's something that weighs on your mind.
One of the more in-keeping well-known dealers selling this variety is an organic-certified family farm called Mad River Garlic Growers that places Georgian Fire in their porcelain offerings. Purchasing from respected growers like Mad River Garlic Growers leaves buyers feeling confident about bulb quality, origin, and post-purchase support. For something that leans more toward the small-scale or regional side, numerous specialty farms and seed catalogs suggest Georgia fire garlic for sale, albeit in limited quantities.
In the kitchen, use Georgian Fire raw with salsas, chimichurri, and dressings, then go on to roasting whole or chopping into sautés for the sweeter, more subtle variety. Its raw heat is quite potent, so it is ideal for pickling and infused oils, where just a little application goes a long way.
If you are a grower, a chef, or maybe just an avid garlic-lover, Georgian Fire perceives curiosity as being along the same lines as bold flavor. Watch out for seasonality, with many retailers going for Georgian Fire Garlic in the fall for planting and then again right after harvest for culinary bulbs; reputable producers such as Mad River Garlic Growers are worthy of consideration when purchasing, as they assure you of buying full, flavorful bulbs living up to the name of this fiery variety.