Vegetable
Artichoke
A tier
Artichoke softnecks form large bulbs with multiple clove layers arranged somewhat like artichoke bracts—hence the name—with milder heat than silverskins and good size for peeling. They are major commercial types in mild climates (including much California production). Outer cloves are large; interiors smaller. Reliable kitchen garlic for high volume: sauces, roasting, confit. Not usually the most complex raw, but excellent cooked sweetness. Widely available as big white supermarket heads.
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History
Artichoke-type softnecks underpinned California’s large-scale garlic industry.
Export and bulk retail standardised artichoke-type commodity garlic.
Artichokes still filled most mild-climate commercial acreage.