Lautrec Pink Garlic
Lautrec Pink Garlic is a protected geographical indication
indicating a specific production of garlic from the Lautrec commune in the Tarn department in southern France.
This crop has been, since 1966, listed under the French Label Rouge "ail rose" and under the protected geographical indication ail rose de Lautrec since June 12, 1996.
Characteristics
Lautrec pink garlic is characterized by its pink tunicas, its extended dormancy and by its rigid floral stem, which prevents the braiding for distribution of traditional garlic; instead, the garlic is bound into clusters called "manouilles". This rigid floral stem is pruned early in the growing season in a process known as despoulinage, a local word meaning castration, the better to concentrate growth and flavour in the underground bulbs.The garlic has a highly developed flavor. Due to the extended drying time, it is well-suited to long-term storage.