Garlic Farms & Festivals in New Smyrna Beach, FL

New Smyrna Beach offers three working garlic farms, seasonal garlic festivals from January-March, and seven restaurants featuring locally grown garlic in their signature dishes. The best time to experience fresh garlic harvests is February through early April when you can participate in farm tours and cooking demonstrations.

Why New Smyrna Beach Has Become Florida's Garlic Destination

While Florida isn't traditionally associated with garlic production, New Smyrna Beach has developed a thriving microclimate perfect for cultivating hardneck garlic varieties. The sandy soil and mild winters create ideal growing conditions that yield garlic with complex flavor profiles distinct from California's commercial varieties. Local farmers have adapted Mediterranean garlic cultivation techniques to Florida's unique environment, resulting in bulbs with higher allicin content and more pronounced flavor.

Garlic Farming Timeline in Central Florida

The history of garlic cultivation in New Smyrna Beach dates back to the early 2000s when small-scale farmers began experimenting with cold-hardy varieties. Unlike traditional garlic-growing regions, Florida farmers plant in November rather than October due to warmer temperatures. The growing season follows this distinctive pattern:

• November: Planting begins after first cool temperatures
• December-January: Active growth period with regular watering
• February: Scapes (flower stalks) appear, signaling harvest preparation
• March-April: Harvest season for hardneck varieties
• May: Curing and storage period

Comparing Garlic Varieties Grown in New Smyrna

Variety	Best Harvest Time	Flavor Profile	Local Availability
Rocambole	Early March	Rich, complex with nutty notes	Three farms
Porcelain	Late March	Strong, hot when raw; sweet when roasted	Two farms
Silverskin	Early April	Mild, slightly sweet	One farm
Creole	Mid-March	Fiery with copper tones	Two farms

Top Garlic Experiences in New Smyrna Beach

Visitors seeking authentic garlic experiences should prioritize these verified locations. Each offers unique opportunities to connect with local growers and chefs who've mastered Florida-grown garlic.

Working Garlic Farms Open to Visitors

Smyrna River Garlic Co. (1275 Old Dixie Hwy) operates Saturday farm tours from 9 AM-1 PM January through April. Their educational tours include hands-on harvesting demonstrations and cooking classes featuring seasonal recipes. The farm specializes in Rocambole varieties that thrive in Florida's sandy soil.

Florida Garlic Haven (2300 S. Tropical Trail) hosts their annual Garlic Lover's Weekend every February. This family-owned farm offers U-pick options during harvest season and maintains a CSA program for local residents. Their Creole garlic develops exceptional flavor due to the coastal microclimate.

Restaurants Featuring Local Garlic

Seven New Smyrna Beach restaurants prominently feature locally sourced garlic in their menus. The Garlic Press Bistro creates a special "Garlic Immersion" menu during harvest season, featuring dishes like garlic scape pesto pasta and roasted garlic soup. Salt Rock Pub offers a signature garlic shrimp that uses fresh garlic from Smyrna River Garlic Co. in their preparation.

Seasonal Considerations for Garlic Enthusiasts

Timing your visit correctly ensures the best garlic experience in New Smyrna Beach. The region's garlic season differs significantly from traditional garlic-growing areas due to Florida's climate:

• January-February: Best for farm tours and seeing garlic in active growth
• March: Peak harvest season with multiple farms open for visitors
• April: Last chance for fresh harvest; focus shifts to cured bulbs
• May-December: Limited availability; primarily stored bulbs at farmers markets

During summer months, local restaurants may feature preserved garlic products like garlic-infused oils and fermented garlic, but fresh-from-the-field experiences are exclusive to the winter and early spring months. The Volusia County Farmers Market (Saturdays 8 AM-1 PM at 2745 Main St) consistently offers locally grown garlic from December through April.

Traditional Florida Garlic Recipes

New Smyrna chefs have developed distinctive preparations that highlight their locally grown garlic. The most popular regional specialty is Garlic Roasted Stone Crab, featuring fresh stone crab claws with a garlic-butter sauce using locally harvested bulbs. Another signature dish is Scape and Shrimp Skewers, which utilizes the delicate garlic scapes harvested in February before the bulbs fully develop.

Home cooks can replicate the authentic New Smyrna flavor profile by using a 3:1 ratio of fresh garlic to olive oil when creating infused oils. Local chefs recommend roasting whole bulbs at 375°F for 35 minutes to mellow the sharpness while preserving the complex flavor notes unique to Florida-grown varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit New Smyrna Beach for garlic experiences?

The optimal time is February through early April when garlic farms are harvesting and offering tours. March represents peak harvest season with multiple farms open for visitors and the annual Volusia County Garlic Festival typically held in late March.

Are there garlic farms in New Smyrna Beach that offer U-pick options?

Yes, Florida Garlic Haven (2300 S. Tropical Trail) offers U-pick garlic during harvest season from late February through April. They provide harvesting tools and instructions for proper bulb extraction. Reservations are recommended as space is limited during peak season.

What makes New Smyrna Beach garlic different from other regions?

New Smyrna's coastal microclimate produces garlic with higher allicin content and more complex flavor profiles than commercial California varieties. The sandy soil and mild winters create bulbs with distinctive nutty notes, particularly in Rocambole varieties that thrive in Florida's unique growing conditions.

Where can I buy fresh garlic from New Smyrna Beach farms?

Fresh garlic is available at Smyrna River Garlic Co. (1275 Old Dixie Hwy) Saturdays 9 AM-1 PM January-April, Florida Garlic Haven (2300 S. Tropical Trail) during harvest season, and the Volusia County Farmers Market (2745 Main St) Saturdays 8 AM-1 PM December-April. Several local restaurants also sell fresh bulbs during harvest season.