Inchelium Red Garlic

CCOF & USDA Certified Organic

Grown in volcanic soil at Basaltic Farms, Inchelium Red is a celebrated softneck artichoke garlic with Native American origins from Washington’s Colville Reservation. Winner of the 1990 Rodale Kitchen taste test, it offers a mild, full-bodied flavor that’s excellent raw or cooked. This heirloom produces attractive pink-purple striped bulbs with 8–15 cloves, adapts well to different climates, and stores 6–9 months—making it ideal for gardeners and chefs alike.

LBS	Price
1	$28.00
5	$27.50
10	$27.00
25	$26.50
50	$26.00
100	$25.50

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Basaltic Farms Reviews

⭐ Customer Testimonials Here’s what customers say about our certified organic garlic. Read verified reviews from organic enthusiasts and chefs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inchelium Red

Inchelium Red is our award-winning softneck variety with Native American heritage from Washington’s Colville Reservation, prized for its mild flavor and exceptional storage capabilities. Whether you’re a home gardener seeking reliable garlic that adapts to various climates or a culinary enthusiast drawn to its approachable taste that won the 1990 Rodale Kitchen test, this artichoke variety delivers consistent results. Here are the most common questions about growing, harvesting, and enjoying this remarkable heirloom garlic variety.

Growing Success for Seed Garlic Buyers

What makes Inchelium Red ideal for seed garlic planting?

Inchelium Red is exceptionally adaptable, thriving in zones 3-10—from cold northern regions to warm southern climates. Our volcanic soil produces large bulbs (1.75-2.25″ diameter) with 8-15 healthy cloves perfect for planting. With 50-60 plantable cloves per pound and consistent yields, it’s ideal for gardeners wanting reliable, easy-to-grow garlic that requires minimal maintenance.

Which growing zones give the best results for Inchelium Red seed garlic?

While Inchelium Red adapts to zones 3-10, it performs exceptionally well in zones 5-8 where it develops its characteristic mild flavor and pink-purple striping. Originally from northern Washington near the Canadian border, it handles cold winters beautifully while also tolerating warmer climates better than most varieties—making it perfect for diverse growing conditions.

When should I plant Inchelium Red seed garlic for maximum bulb size?

Plant Inchelium Red 4-6 weeks before your ground freezes—October-November in northern regions, November-January in southern areas. Plant cloves pointy end up, 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart. This softneck matures earlier than many varieties, often ready by late June or early July, giving you a head start on harvest season.

Growing & Storage Features

What does Inchelium Red garlic taste like compared to store-bought garlic?

Inchelium Red offers a mild, medium-bodied flavor with subtle heat that’s perfect for those who find regular garlic too intense. Unlike harsh, chemically-treated store varieties, it’s excellent raw in salads or dips. The volcanic soil adds mineral complexity, and interestingly, its spiciness increases during storage, developing more character over time.

How does Inchelium Red's flavor compare to other softneck varieties like Sicilian Artichoke or Susanville?

Inchelium Red sits between the spicy kick of Sicilian Artichoke and the very mild Susanville. Its award-winning flavor profile offers more complexity than California Early but remains approachable for garlic-sensitive palates. The hint of heat distinguishes it from sweeter varieties while maintaining the versatility expected from artichoke types.

What are the best culinary uses for Inchelium Red's mild flavor profile?

Inchelium Red excels in applications where you want garlic presence without overwhelming other flavors—perfect for salad dressings, aioli, and fresh salsas. Its mildness makes it ideal for stir-fries, soups, and dishes where raw garlic is featured. Many chefs prefer it for garlic butter and spreads where its subtle complexity shines through.

Varieties & Selection

Does Inchelium Red produce scapes, and can it be braided?

As a true softneck variety, Inchelium Red doesn’t produce scapes but creates beautiful, long-lasting braids perfect for kitchen storage and gifting. The flexible stems remain pliable after curing, allowing for traditional braiding that can hang decoratively while providing easy access to your garlic for 6-9 months.

How does Inchelium Red perform in different soil types and climates?

This adaptable variety thrives in various soil types from sandy loam to heavier clay, as long as drainage is adequate. Originally from Washington’s Columbia River region, it handles both cold winters and warm summers. Our volcanic soil with 67 trace minerals enhances bulb size and the characteristic pink-purple striping.

What's the difference between Inchelium Red seed garlic and culinary garlic from Basaltic Farms?

Seed garlic consists of our largest, most perfect bulbs (typically 2+ inches) with 8-15 undamaged cloves reserved for planting. Culinary garlic includes medium bulbs (1.75-2 inches) perfect for kitchen use. Both are CCOF certified organic, but seed garlic receives extra care to ensure optimal germination and disease-free planting stock.

Storage, Harvest & Customer Support

How long will Inchelium Red store after harvest, and what affects storage life?

Properly cured Inchelium Red stores exceptionally well for 6-9 months in cool (55-65°F), dry conditions with good airflow. Its spiciness actually increases during storage, developing more complex flavors over time. Our volcanic soil produces tight, well-wrapped bulbs that resist deterioration better than standard varieties.

When do you harvest and ship Inchelium Red, and what should I expect?

We harvest Inchelium Red in late June to early July when 50-75% of leaves are half green, half brown—typically earlier than other varieties. After 3-4 weeks of proper curing, we ship from August through February. You’ll receive beautiful bulbs with white papery wrappers showing distinctive pink-purple stripes, ready for planting or eating.

What guarantee do you offer on Inchelium Red seed garlic viability?

We guarantee our CCOF certified organic Inchelium Red arrives disease-free with excellent sprouting rates typical of this vigorous variety. As an award-winning cultivar known for consistent yields and adaptability, we stand behind every bulb. Contact us at (530) 238-5357 if you have any concerns—our family inspects each shipment personally.

Regan Jaxson Zack Kevin Team Shot Basaltic Farms

👩‍🌾 Why Choose Our Inchelium Red Garlic

At Basaltic Farms, our approach to growing Inchelium Red honors its Native American heritage while delivering award-winning flavor. When you choose our organic garlic farm, you’re getting the same variety that won the 1990 Rodale Kitchen taste test for exceptional quality.

🌋 Adaptable to All Gardens – Inchelium Red thrives in zones 3-10, making it one of the most versatile varieties available. From cold northern winters to warm southern climates, our volcanic soil enhances its characteristic mild flavor and pink-purple striping.
🌱 Award-Winning Heirloom – This Native American variety from Washington’s Colville Reservation produces beautiful white bulbs with pink-purple stripes containing 8-15 cloves. Its proven excellence and cultural heritage make it a treasured addition to any garden.
🧄 Perfect Mild Flavor – Unlike harsh store-bought garlic, Inchelium Red offers approachable flavor that’s excellent raw and develops subtle heat during storage. Our mineral-rich soil creates complexity without overwhelming intensity, ideal for garlic-sensitive palates.
☀️ Superior Storage Champion – This softneck stores exceptionally well for 6-9 months, with flavor that actually improves over time. Perfect for braiding, each bulb provides 8-15 substantial cloves for planting or year-round culinary use.
📦 Triple-Certified Excellence – Every Inchelium Red bulb is CCOF and USDA certified organic, plus Real Organic Project verified, grown without synthetic inputs and hand-selected for quality by our family.

Note: Early harvest variety, typically ready late June to early July.

Fresh Healthy Organic Garlic Bulbs Basaltic Farms

💪 Health Benefits of Inchelium Red Garlic

Inchelium Red, with its Native American heritage from the Colville Reservation, represents centuries of traditional cultivation and use. This award-winning variety’s mild flavor makes it particularly appealing for those seeking to incorporate raw garlic into their diet. The health benefits of garlic have been recognized across cultures, with milder varieties like Inchelium Red offering an approachable way to enjoy these traditional properties.

🧬 Gentle Allicin Formation – The mild nature of Inchelium Red indicates balanced sulfur compounds that form allicin when crushed, providing garlic’s characteristic properties without overwhelming intensity
❤️ Raw-Friendly Variety – Its award-winning mild flavor makes it ideal for consuming raw in salads and dips, allowing regular incorporation into daily meals as part of a healthy diet
🛡️ Heritage Nutrition – This Native American heirloom has been cultivated for generations, selected for both flavor and traditional uses by indigenous communities along the Columbia River
🌿 Versatile Wellness Applications – The approachable flavor profile makes it easier to use regularly in both raw and cooked preparations, from traditional remedies to modern culinary applications
🧠 Complete Nutrient Profile – Grown in our mineral-rich volcanic soil, Inchelium Red develops fully with selenium, manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber

Note: The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Garlic is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

🧄 Nutrition Facts (Per Clove: 2–3g)

Hardneck garlic varieties are packed with allicin, antioxidants, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. These cold-adapted varieties support immune health, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health while delivering the bold, complex flavors that make them favorites among serious cooks and gardeners.

🔥 Basic Nutrition

🔥 Calories: 4.47 kcal
🍞 Carbs: 0.99 g
🍯 Sugars: 0.03 g
🌾 Fiber: 0.063 g
💪 Protein: 0.191 g
🧈 Fat: 0.02 g
💧 Water: About 1.5 g

💊 Vitamins

👁️ Vitamin A: 0.27 IU
⚡ Vitamin B1: 0.006 mg
🔋 Vitamin B2: 0.004 mg
🧠 Vitamin B3: 0.028 mg
💡 Vitamin B6: 0.049 mg
🍃 Folate: About 1.2 µg
🍊 Vitamin C: 1.248 mg
🌻 Vitamin E: 0.003 mg
🩸 Vitamin K: 0.068 µg
🧠 Choline: About 1.6 mg

🧪 Minerals

🦴 Calcium: 7.24 mg
🩸 Iron: 0.068 mg
⚡ Magnesium: About 3.3 mg
🦴 Phosphorus: 6.12 mg
💓 Potassium: 16 mg
🛡️ Zinc: 0.047 mg
🔥 Copper: 0.012 mg
🧠 Manganese: 0.067 mg
🛡️ Selenium: 0.568 mg

🌿 Special Compounds

💊 Allicin: About 6–12 mg (powerful antibacterial/antiviral agent)
🌈 Carotene: 0.20 µg
📊 Glycemic Index: Low (under 10) – good for diabetic/keto diets
Values are approximate and may vary by variety and freshness.

❄️ Hardneck Cold-Climate Advantage

Hardneck garlic varieties require cold winter temperatures for proper bulb development, and this vernalization process enhances their nutritional profile. These varieties, grown in our mineral-rich, volcanic soil at an elevation of 3,100 feet, develop intense flavor compounds and robust nutritional density through natural cold exposure. The bonus of edible scapes provides an additional source of nutrients in late spring, offering garlic flavor with tender texture. Unlike softneck varieties, hardnecks concentrate their energy into fewer, larger cloves with more complex flavor compounds, ensuring you get maximum nutritional and culinary value from each bulb.

Health Benefits Of Garlic California Grown Certified Ccof Organic Garlic Basaltic Farms