India is a major producer and exporter of garlic in the International market as well as in the nation’s domestic market for consumer and wholesale consumption. Due to the different climactic regions of India, there are several unique, distinct garlic varieties that differ in their aroma, flavor strength, and shelf life characteristics. Garlic varieties can range from immortality garlic sourced from high altitudes in the Kashmir hills to the premium Ooty garlic cytoplasm cultivated in Madhya Pradesh. Indian garlic varieties are an exciting area of inquiry into the rich agricultural diversity of India.
If you are a garlic exporter, importer, or food processor looking for a reliable source of Indian garlic, understanding the varieties of garlic cultivated in India allows you to choose the best variety for your markets or processing.
1. Ooty Garlic
Ooty garlic is a prized variety that originated in South India but has now shifted base and is mainly cultivated in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states, in central and western parts of the country. garlic, as it is known, can come in many bulb sizes but is more nuggier than other garlic varieties making Ooty ideal for the example of long-storage and for use in the culinary arts such as spice mixes or for pickles.
If you will be sourcing garlic from an Indian garlic supplier who specializes in garlic export, the Ooty garlic variety is often recommended for it’s flavor and shelf life.
Specifications of Ooty Garlic:
- Bulb Size: Small to medium (3-5 cm diameter)
- Clove Size: Medium to Large
- Color: Light-colored thin skin with some purple streaks
- Shelf Life: 5-6 months in cool, dry storage
- Flavor Profile: Very strong, spicy, aromatic
- Harvest Season: March to April
- Growing Regions: Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
- Usage: Breads, pickles, seasoning powders, and in traditional Indian foods.
2. Himachal Garlic
Garlic is produced in the Indian Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh grown 1,000-2,000 meters above sea level in Kinnaur, Chamba and Mandi. It is characterized by a clean white bulb that has a mild, yet rich, aroma. garlic has a good adaptation to cold conditions. Because of moderate clove size and mild aroma, demand has increased for garlic exported under this variety.
An established Indian garlic supplier regularly deals in this variety of garlic from Himachal Pradesh, and often includes it in high premium export shipments, because the product consistently delivers tangible quality and is well-received in Middle Eastern and European markets.
Specifications of Himachal Garlic:
- Bulb Size: Medium (3-6 cm)
- Clove Size: Uniformly large
- Color: Pure white outer skin
- Shelf Life: 5 to 7 months
- Flavor Profile: Mildly pungent, aromatic
- Harvest Season: May to June
- Growing Regions: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
- Usage: Table garlic, seasoning, export quality garlic for retail processing.
3. Normal Indian Garlic
The heart of Indian garlic production is found in India’s plains especially in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The “typical Indian garlic” is what you will find presented in local markets and in containers in export from India to countries such as Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and many more. This type of garlic has a strong flavor; moderate pungency, and a balanced moisture content. For bulk buyers, and exporters of garlic this is the most economical, and workably suitable variety. Nearly all Indian garlic suppliers consider this variety as “base” garlic due to its large availability, consistent supply, and shelf-life.
Specifications of Normal Indian Garlic:
| Parameter | Specification |
| Bulb Size | Small to medium (2–5 cm) |
| Clove Size | Long, thin cloves |
| Color | White with faint purple streaks |
| Shelf Life | 6–8 months |
| Flavor Profile | Balanced pungency, less sharp than hill garlic |
| Harvest Season | February to April |
| Major States | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh |
| Usage | Culinary use, paste, flakes, and powder processing |
4. Kashmir Garlic
The Himalayan valleys produce Kashmir garlic in an unspoiled environment, growing between elevations of 6,000-8,000 feet. This garlic variety is distinguished from other Indian garlic because it has many medicinal and therapeutic qualities, is medium to large in size, and is very strong with allicin content higher than most garlic varieties.
Top Indian garlic suppliers typically have this garlic variety available, but please keep in mind that it is only available in small amounts because it is not “very clean” to export because they cannot process the garlic more in the hills where it is grown. Kashmir garlic is the last harvest for a typical season in India.
Specifications of Kashmir Garlic:
| Bulb Size | Medium to large (4–7 cm) |
| Clove Size | Big cloves |
| Color | White with faint purple streaks |
| Shelf Life | 6–8 months |
| Flavor Profile | Balanced pungency, less sharp than hill garlic |
| Harvest Season | April to June |
| Major States | Kashmir and Ladakh |
| Usage | Excellent for peeling in India and domestic culinary consumption |
5. G2 Garlic
G2 garlic is a hybrid variety that boasts high yields and was specifically bred for commercial agricultural use. It is among some of the most sought-after varieties from exporters due to its uniform bulb size, bright white skin and shelf-life. The variety also performs exceptionally well in central Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Of all the varieties for an Indian garlic supplier that are exported, G2 garlic is a preferred commercial grade due to its reliable adaptability, uniform bulbs, and ability to reduce post-harvest losses.
Specifications of G2 Garlic:
| Feature | Description |
| Bulb Size | Large (5–6 cm diameter) |
| Clove Size | 12–15 large cloves per bulb |
| Color | Bright white, glossy skin |
| Shelf Life | 6–8 months |
| Flavor Profile | Medium pungency, pleasant aroma |
| Harvest Season | February to March |
| Growing Regions | Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat |
| Usage | Bulk exports, garlic powder/flakes, culinary use |
6. Super Shankar Garlic
The new crown jewel of Indian garlic varieties is Super Shankar garlic which is being primarily cultivated in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Hence, This variety, with its large size and high yield, has become the farmer’s garlic of choice. The cloves are large, easy to peel, and can be used commercially in paste, dehydrated flakes, and powder. The variety is also loved by foreign buyers for its excellent storage ability and outstanding taste. Global buyers prefer to buy through trusted Indian garlic suppliers.
Specifications of Super Shankar Garlic:
- Bulb Size: Large (4–6 cm diameter)
- Clove Size: 12–14 thick cloves per bulb and 3-5 thin long cloves inside the bulb
- Color: Bright white skin with shiny appearance
- Storage Life: 7–8 months
- Flavor Quality: Moderate pungency, balanced taste
- Harvest Period: February to March
- Growing Areas: Madhya Pradesh, Haryana
- Uses: Export, Garlic paste, flakes, seasoning
Conclusion
The extensive geography of India enables the emergence of several garlic varieties that cater to different customer and industrial needs. From Ooty garlic which is small and spicy to G2 and Super Shankar that can be exported, there is a garlic variety for every occasion.
If you are an importer, distributor, or food processor you will find a reliable Indian garlic supplier which will provide you with a fresh garlic variety that meets your specification. Reliable garlic suppliers in India can sort, grade and package garlic to your specification whether for domestic or export use, all with consistent quality at competitive prices.
Whether you will be peeling garlic, making garlic paste or selling garlic directly, there is an Indian garlic variety and an Indian garlic supplier to meet your markets specifications.