Four years ago, the Bubb family of Carroway started off with just 40 individual garlic bulbs. 2017 will see 6,000 bulbs planted on the family farm in Carron, North-West Victoria.
On a determined quest to grow fresh, seasonal, chemical-free produce and after much trial and error, Narelle Bubb discovered that garlic thrives in shivery winters and blazing summers for which their region is renowned.
“We chose to grow garlic, not only because it successfully grows in our soils but to meet a need to provide an alternative for the poor quality, imported garlic that was previously available,” said Narelle.
It's a family affair from March to April, when the Bubbs – Chris, Narelle, Rhys, Natalya and Jonte, work together to form raised beds, cover with weed matting, fix drip-tape irrigation in place and hand plant each individual clove. After seven months in the ground, the beautiful, bulging garlic bulbs are hand-harvested in late November to December and naturally cured for at least four weeks.
As a member of the Australian Garlic Industry Association, Carroway is excited to be able to promote and provide home-grown Aussie garlic, which is not only chemical-free, but also delicious. The Bubb family is keen to support a burgeoning industry, which currently produces less than 2% of the world’s garlic.
Carroway has successfully grown three soft-neck varieties including their gold medal-winning Printanor. Carroway were one of just two garlic producers to take home a gold medal in the 2017 Australian Food Awards.
“This year we entered the Australian Food Awards for the first time to see what expert judges thought about our garlic. We are still in shock that our Printanor received a gold medal!” said Narelle.
“We hope that more and more people will have the opportunity to enjoy our yummy garlic.”
Carroway garlic is currently available for purchase directly from the farm (51 McConvilles Road, Carron VIC), or locally at IGA supermarkets in Donald and St Arnaud and Donald’s Family Butcher in the Wimmera Mallee, Victoria. You can also purchase it online through Farmhouse Direct.