China is a major producer and exporter of garlic worldwide. The weather in China, along with its fertile soil, supports garlic production. Many people make their living by growing garlic on their land. The garlic harvest in China occurs at different times in various provinces.
Remember, China is one of the largest countries, having multiple provinces. Garlic is more common in Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, and Yunnan. The harvesting time in all these provinces varies due to their climatic differences. In this article, we will explore everything about garlic in China, including its cultivation and harvesting. So, let’s get started!
Overview of Garlic Production in China
The demand for garlic remains consistently high worldwide. It is majorly used in many dishes as it increases the taste and flavor. China is the world’s largest producer of garlic. It exports garlic to over 160 countries and earns massive revenue from it. Many farmers in China make their living solely by growing garlic.
In 2023, Chinese garlic production surpassed 23 million metric tons. Interestingly, China has many cold storage warehouses for storage purposes. It means China never runs out of garlic and is always ready to export whenever demand peaks. This country greatly benefits from its agriculture, which makes it one of the best economies in the world.
Garlic crops are popular throughout China’s agricultural regions. However, the significant areas which are known for garlic production are as follows:
- Henan Province
- Jiangsu Province
- Yunnan Province
- Shandong Province
A small county in Shandong province has the most garlic crops. Due to this, this county is also known as the Garlic Capital of the World”. Remember, the temperature in all these provinces varies. For example, Shandong and Henan are provinces with cold climates. Farmers harvest a bit late in such regions. On the other hand, provinces with warmer climates harvest garlic earlier, i.e., in April.
Garlic Growing Season in China
The Garlic plantation in China starts in the fall season. Farmers typically complete the plantation process before winter arrives. Some regions of China are icy, and planting typically occurs in October. On the other hand, some warmer regions start early planting in September. Here is a table showing the plantation month of different areas:
| Region/Province | Planting Time |
| Shandong | October |
| Henan | October |
| Hebei | October |
| Jiangsu | October |
| Yunnan | September |
| Guangxi | September |
| Sichuan | October |
The table above indicates the most common month for planting garlic. However, individual farmers’ preferences can alter the schedule. Some farmers grow garlic in the first week of November. They believe that November is colder, which helps garlic grow better. However, the most common month for garlic planting is October.
Garlic Harvest Season in China
The climate in different regions of China varies. Due to this, harvest time in China varies in those regions. For example, the northern region of China generally has a cold climate. The temperature remains on the lower side. Harvesting in these regions is done in late May or early June. Provinces in these regions include Shandong, Henan, and Hebei.
On the other hand, the southern part of China has a warmer climate with higher temperatures. Therefore, these regions plant garlic in early September. Their harvesting time ranges between March to April. In March, the temperature in these regions is high enough. The leaves of garlic start to turn yellow quickly. So farmers harvest the garlic.
For example, provinces such as Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guangxi harvest garlic in March or April. Remember, garlic requires sunlight exposure for proper maturation. In cold regions, this sunlight is not available. So garlic harvesting goes until June. At that time, the sun peaks in those colder regions and provides enough heat for maturing.
However, in warmer regions, the temperature is already high in March and April. It is enough to make garlic leaves yellow. So farmers harvest early. Here is a table showing the garlic harvest time in China:
| Region/Province | Harvest Time |
| Shandong | Late May – Early June |
| Henan | Late May – Early June |
| Hebei | Late May – Early June |
| Jiangsu | Late May – Early June |
| Yunnan | March – April |
| Guangxi | March – April |
| Sichuan | April – May |
Garlic Harvesting Process in China
When garlic matures, its leaves become brown or yellow. They start drying, indicating the bulb of garlic is fully grown. It is then time for Chinese farmers to start harvesting. They stop watering the garlic around 8 to 14 days before the harvesting starts. Remember, if the soil is soft, water should be stopped 14 days before harvesting.
However, if the soil is dry, the water can be stopped just 7 to 8 days before harvesting. In a small-scale garlic garden, farmers harvest garlic by hand. However, I don’t recommend harvesting garlic by hand. Why? Because it can affect and damage the quality of the bulb.
Therefore, Chinese farmers use sickles or small spades for harvesting garlic on a smaller scale. Using these tools ensures that the bulb’s quality remains intact. On a large scale, Chinese farmers use high-end harvesting machines. Modern harvesters efficiently dig up and collect garlic. They ensure no garlic is lost, and the bulb also remains safe.
Remember, using a harvester on a large scale is cost-effective, as it harvests garlic quickly. Human labor takes more time during the harvesting of garlic. Modern Chinese farmers are adopting modern technologies, which enhance their efficiency. Once the garlic is harvested, Chinese farmers do not pack them immediately for selling.
Instead, the garlic remains in the field for two weeks. This duration is for the curing process, which removes the moisture from the garlic. Due to curing, the garlic dries and prevents spoilage. Once the garlic dries, and becomes ready to be shipped, some farmers sort its bulbs by size and sell it at different prices.
Quality Control and Storage of Harvest Garlic in China
Once the garlic is harvested, it then undergoes a sorting process. Moreover, garlic can have different colors depending on its type. For example, the white garlic has white skin. On the flip side, the purple garlic type has purple skin. So, all these garlic types are sorted separately. The white and purple garlic vary from each other in many ways.
For example, they have different numbers of cloves in one bulb. So, these types are sold at different prices. Apart from that, the small or cracked garlic is also sorted out. Remember, high-quality, larger-sized, and healthy garlic is only used for export. Those smaller-sized garlic are not trashed. But they are sold separately to domestic customers at lower prices.
The healthy, larger garlic is then sent to well-ventilated warehouses or cold storage facilities. Many provinces of China have these ventilated warehouses. The temperature and humidity-controlled environment in these warehouses keep the garlic fresh. The garlic remains in good condition for at least 6 to 8 months. The exporter or supplier then supplies this garlic worldwide at wholesale rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when garlic is ready to harvest?
If the garlic leaves have changed from green to yellow, it indicates that the garlic is ready to harvest. Remember, garlic with green leaves should not be harvested. Such garlic have immature bulbs whose sizes are petite.
How do you know when garlic is fully cured?
Generally, the garlic curing process ranges between 12 to 15 days. The garlic will become dry and crispy upon touch. If a garlic bulb feels dry with no moisture sign, it means it is fully cured.
What are the differences in harvesting techniques in China?
The northern regions of China utilize modern machines and harvesters, which are very efficient. Generally, these regions produce garlic of export quality. Therefore, using machines enables the quick harvesting and export of garlic. The southern area of Punjab relies on human labor for harvesting.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, garlic is one of the most popular crops in China. This country meets around 70-80% of the world’s garlic demand. Many Chinese consider garlic plantations to be a sustainable form of living. Knowing the right time of garlic harvesting is key for Chinese people. In this article, I’ve discussed everything regarding garlic and its harvesting season in China.