Have you experienced the taste of farm-fresh garlic? Whether for pasta, sauces, or even oven-roasted pizza, the possibilities are endless! This week's Farmer Story features Chilliwack Garlic Farm. Based in Chilliwack, BC, they come from a garlic staple region in France to Canada, bringing you high-quality and tasty garlic! DirectFood.store had the chance to chat with Chilliwack Garlic Farm, and they shared some insights about their business and products.

What do you produce at Chilliwack Garlic Farm, and what products do you offer?

At Chilliwack Garlic Farm, we produce several different varieties of garlic. We offer our product at various stages; currently, we are selling our spring garlic. Our early varieties are Cleopatra, Wild Violet and French Connection. In mid-July, the much-anticipated Red Russian is ready. We specialize in selling fresh garlic, but we can cure it too if our customers ask for it. After curing, garlic can be kept in good condition for up to 12 months and more once cured.

What do you or your company stand for? 

Hard work! At Chilliwack Garlic Farm, we believe in working hard and producing the best product we can. Almost every step of the process is done by hand, from planting the bulbs in October, weeding the fields, picking scapes and finally harvesting in the summer. We also have a background in the restaurant industry, and making our customers' experience top-notch is very important to us.

What's the story behind it all? 

I am originally from the South of France and moved to Canada in 2013. My background is in viticulture and winemaking. Since being in Canada, I genuinely missed farming, having my hands in the soil and working outdoors. I love food, and in the region, I come from, garlic is a staple. I first got the idea of farming garlic when I met a local farmer at the Cultus Lake Christmas Market. I was inspired to try my hands at it and started with a small corner of my garden. The following year, I leased a quarter acre, then half acre and every year, we continue to grow and learn. This year we will have produced the most we ever have, and our garlic is looking super! More is coming!

How do you feel about the Fraser Valley and about supporting local businesses?

Our experience in the Fraser Valley has been great. The farming community here is very supportive and helpful. Farmers around us are helping us a lot! I know what it is like to be a small guy and how challenging that can be. If there is any way I can support local and small businesses, I am in!

What does the future have in store? 

I hope we can continue to grow, develop our business, learn and produce the best garlic we can for our customers and finally pass it on to our children.

How has your relationship with your customers evolved over the years?

I have enjoyed interacting with our customers. I love their energy, how passionate people are about garlic, and that they appreciate the work and care we put into our garlic. I have also noticed a growing awareness of different varieties like Red Russian, which is refreshing, and people this year have been loving the spring garlic. 

Cooking would not be the same without the zest and intrigue that garlic brings to the table. Want to see Chilliwack Garlic Farm's harvest? Visit their farm page on DirectFood.store here: Chilliwack Garlic Farm.