Raw Garlic Heat Index

Explore the Bold Flavors of Hardneck Garlic with Shipwrecked Garlic Co.

​

🌮️ What is the Raw Garlic Heat Index?

The Raw Garlic Heat Index ranks garlic varieties by how intense their flavor is when eaten raw. This guide highlights the boldest, spiciest garlics down to the most mild and mellow varieties.

Heat levels may vary slightly year to year based on growing conditions, but the general character of each variety holds true.

​

🔥 Hottest Raw Garlic Varieties

Metechi
Nicknamed "Great Bulbs of Fire" for good reason. Metechi has intense raw heat that can overwhelm even spicy food lovers. Excellent in hot salsas and bold dishes.

Georgian Fire
Strong heat with a rich, lingering aftertaste. Perfect for garlic lovers who like a punch of flavor in raw dishes.

Bogatyr
Sharp, classic garlic flavor with serious spice. Great for roasting or adding heat to Italian recipes.

Chesnok Red
Spicy when raw, but transforms to sweet and rich when roasted. A well-balanced hardneck garlic with gorgeous purple stripes.

Romanian Red & Russian Red
Both are pungent and flavorful with strong raw heat. Great for adding bite to savory dishes.

​

🫐 Garlic with Medium Heat

German Red
Milder and earthier, but still rich and complex. Great in any savory dish.

Turkish Red
Reliable variety with warming flavor. Mellow enough for raw use but still flavorful.

Italian Red
Mild but richly layered flavor. Ideal for both raw and cooked uses.

Spanish Roja
Starts with heat that mellows quickly. Smooth finish makes it a favorite for chefs.

Aglio Rosso
Flavor builds over time in storage. Starts mild in fall and grows spicier into spring. Rich and musky.

​

🔹 Milder Garlic Varieties

Chinese Pink
Very mild but full of garlic flavor. Early harvest and great for everyday use.

Georgian Crystal
Clean and crisp taste. Pairs well with vegetables, seafood, and stir-fries.

Persian Star
Subtle spice with full flavor. Beautiful purple-striped cloves perfect for raw use.

🌟 Find Your Flavor

​

Whether you love bold, spicy heat or smooth, mellow garlic flavor, there’s a variety for every palate. Explore the full selection at shipmygarlic.com.

​

Grow bold. Grow Shipwrecked.