Nootka Rose, Lorz Italian, Inchelium Red. These garlic varieties each have a story which is linked to the history of the Pacific Northwest. Inchelium Red garlic came from the Colville Indian Reservation. Lorz Italian was brought to the Columbia basin from Italy before 1900. Nootka Rose is from the San Juan Islands. Each story of how a garlic strain has survived hundreds of years in our particular region is compelling. What is required? The right variety, the right people, the right place. At April Joy Farm, we believe food traditions represent an important opportunity to help us reconnect with our meal choices in a more positive and sustaining way. That’s why we seek out pacific northwest heirlooms, sometimes obscure varieties that deserve a revival. As Gary Paul Nabhan, Editor of Renewing Salmon Nation’s Food Traditions writes, “We should not forget what has nourished our ancestors in the past; culinary Alzheimer’s is not a disease that will help shape a more humane and healthful future for ourselves and other creatures on this planet.”
Beautiful, healthy food with an intriguing story can certainly nourish our imagination.