It is not just garlic. It is medicine.
Officially known as 'Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli', this specific variety was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022. But why?
The Science
Grown in rich, sulfur-heavy soils at 6000+ ft, this garlic has:
- Higher Sulphide Content: Makes it more pungent and medicinally potent.
- Long Shelf Life: Can be stored for up to a year without drying out.
- High Allicin: The compound responsible for fighting cholesterol and boosting immunity.
Vattavada vs Others
Unlike the large, white, water-filled garlic you get in supermarkets (often from China or North India), Vattavada garlic is smaller, has a purple tinge, and is packed with oil. You only need one clove where you would usually use three.
It is traditionally smoked-dried largely by the farmers to preserve it.
