Our Philosophy
"Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you."
Paula Willinsky of Ballantrae Garlic Farm has been introducing Canadians to the wonderfully diversified world of garlic since 1998.
Most people aren't aware of just how many types of garlic there are since they seldom see more than one type available at the local supermarket. In fact, there are over 600 cultivated sub-varieties each with their own unique characteristics. Size, colour, shape, taste, number of cloves per bulb, pungency and storability are just some of the unique traits of garlic.
Spend 10 minutes speaking with Paula and you will feel the passion she has for garlic and its wonderful history, culture and flavours.
" From our farm to your kitchen, uncompromising quality is what we are dedicated to bringing you,
and we know you’ll taste the difference."
~ Paula Willinsky ~
"I had forgotten what REAL garlic was like. Sure - there really is no excuse for it. But as a chef overseeing two restaurants where there is a lot to do it is easier to buy garlic from the wholesaler. It is the dreaded path of least resistance. Thank you for awakening me to your locally grown organic garlic. Our first purchase was a box of Music and we're singing its praises. So nice to work with. Such well defined flavor and every bulb is full yield. Our tomato sauce came to life! Our pizza is now off the charts and our Grilled Caesar Salad is killer. I'll be back for more!"
Shawn Chamberlin, Grill on the Gull - Minden Ontario
At Ballantrae Garlic Farm, all of our garlic is grown organically from clove to harvest. Using low impact, organic farming practices, we hand plant each garlic clove in the fall. When the early signs of spring arrive, the hardy plants push their way through the mulch and begin their summer growth. All the beds are nourished, watered, and hand weeded throughout the spring and summer until the bulbs are mature and ready to be hand harvested. Each summer’s crop is then carefully cleaned and hung to cure for a few weeks until it is ready to ship to you.
Growing organic heritage varieties of garlic from around the world is our passion. The foundation for our boutique approach to growing is patience. In some cases, we started with a single bulb and developed our inventory over several growing seasons before it was made available to the public. We like to think of our team at Ballantrae Farm as curators of the gourmet garlic world.
"Ballantrae Farm garlic is easily the best I've ever had. It's like great chocolate or wine or cheese. Why settle for anything less? You just can't imagine it until you've tried it. Truly amazing."
Chrystal Boudreau, Burlington Ontario
" What a great site for a great product produced lovingly by great people. We all need to get on the Garlic train.... so many varieties to explore and discover! Thanks Paula, for your great additions to my kitchen!"
Frances Thorp Neufeld, Dundas Ontario
Hugh Hammond Bennett - "Take care of the land and the land will take care of you"