Fresno challenges Gilroy for Garlic Capital of the World title

Garlic is an essential for most dishes, but what’s even better is that it is grown here in California. While it may be a simple spice, it is stirring up a rivalry that is not so simple.

For decades, Gilroy has been known as the Garlic Capital of the World, but that title is being challenged.

“When it comes to the growing side of things, hands down, Fresno is the nation’s capitol,” said Ryan Jacobsen, with the Fresno County Farm Bureau.

Gilroy’s Garlic Capital of the World title has brought visitors from around the world, and Fresno wants in on the action. While it may be a friendly competition, Jacobsen said branding is extremely important.

“When we start talking about this battle, it’s not just a state battle. We are talking about a national reputation here on the line,” said Jacobsen.

Even though Gilroy currently holds the title, and smells like the spice, most of the garlic grown in the United States- 68% of it, according to Jacobsen- is actually grown in Fresno County. Garlic is a multimillion-dollar business, and it is often among the top 10 crops in the state per year.

At the nation’s largest garlic grower, Christopher Ranch, the vice president said the title should not depend on where the garlic is grown.

“So even though our garlic isn’t grown in Gilroy, every one of our 100 million pounds of garlic all comes home to Gilroy,” said Ken Christopher.

Gilroy not only processes the garlic, it celebrates it. For 40 years, the Gilroy Garlic Festival has been drawing crowds of people to the city. This year, nearly 100,000 are expected to come.

While Gilroy currently holds the title, we are told that, as long as we are celebrating California agriculture, we all win.