Arguably the Best...

Initially, I assumed Rocambole was strain of garlic. As it turns out, I was wrong. It's a variety. What does that mean? Think back to Biology 101. Rocambole just indicates a particular type of hardneck garlic. Porcelain and Purple Stripe are the other hardnecks. The softneck garlic varieties are Artichoke or Silverskin. Distributed between the Porcelain, Purple Stripe, Rocambole, Artichoke and Silverskin are more than 300 different garlic strains that vary in color, shape, size, scent and flavor.

With hundreds of identified strains of garlic, isn't it pretty pathetic that we only see the softneck silverskin variety and that charlatan "Elephant garlic" in stores?

A sample of the bulbs in the photo above (from the Union Square Farmers' Market in Manhattan) demonstrated rich flavor, beautiful aroma and a nicely peppery bite at the finish. Best garlic in the known universe? Might be. You won't get any argument from me.

Here's more info than you'll probably ever need to know about garlic: Garlic Gal