Elephant garlic is a unique and impressive member of the allium family. Despite its name, it is more closely related to leeks than true garlic, which gives it a much milder, sweeter flavour.

It forms very large bulbs, often several times bigger than standard garlic, making it a great choice for roasting whole, slicing into salads, or adding gentle garlic notes to cooking without overpowering the dish.

Elephant garlic grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and is usually planted in autumn for harvesting the following summer. Each clove can grow into a large bulb if given enough space, so it’s worth planting the cloves several inches apart and keeping the bed weed-free during the growing season.