Originally from Chile, elephant garlic is hardly found in Europe anymore. However, Robert Eder, managing director of Früchte Eder, has been offering the product at his company in Kirchham/Tutting for about five years. "A supplier from whom we mainly buy wine and Parmesan cheese introduced me to Ardo. He is a producer from Italy who uses the flower of the elephant garlic to make other products. Ardo has already patented this variety of garlic," says Eder. "The flower of the garlic plant can also be eaten, but it is too delicate to export and is therefore only sold in Italy itself."
He also markets the elephant garlic as "kissing garlic" in 5kg boxes because of its mild aroma. "We have been selling this type of garlic fresh since the beginning of June. Towards August, the season should be coming to an end, after which it will only be offered as a dried product. The quantity on offer has increased compared to last year." Eder can buy up to 250 kg per week. The sales price is currently up to 39.00 EUR/kg.
According to the wholesaler, the product is aimed at customers who do not want to do without garlic, but at the same time want to avoid the strong smell traditionally associated with garlic, which means it can also be eaten raw. Eder therefore described it as "a very socially acceptable garlic". Furthermore, the product is partly used in salami in South Tyrol.
"Once the purple blossom has risen, it is picked by hand so that the tuber has more strength to grow. The health aspects are particularly noteworthy here - among other things, it is said to have a slight blood-thinning and blood pressure-lowering effect," says Eder.
But conventional garlic is also in Eder's range all year round. While he gets fresh garlic from the Netherlands, he imports dried garlic from Spain. According to his impression, the goods were delayed by about one to two weeks this year. The price is currently between 4.00 and 6.00 EUR/kg.
Photos from Früchte Eder GmbH
Further information:
Früchte Eder GmbH
Simbacher Str. 11 c
94148 Kirchham/Tutting
Tel.: 0 85 33 / 9 18 90-0
E-Mail: [email protected]
Webseite: https://www.fruechte-eder.de