WHAT started as a weekend activity 20 years ago has turned into a “hobby gone mad” for one Barossa resident who is now growing and selling his own garlic to the community.
Having packed up the city life for a quieter country area, David Rutley planted some store-bought garlic with the aim to “see what happened”.
He quickly found a love for growing the potent vegetable, where he started producing enough for himself and friends.
During Covid-19 lockdowns, Rutley was able to dedicate more of his time to growing and packaging the vegetable and began selling his produce to local food markets.
Rutley said since he started putting love and care into the process, he has found joy in selling to the community under the name Kilkea Barossa Garlic.
“The people at markets are always so helpful and very friendly,” he said.
“Garlic will last people ages and you can safely freeze it as well.
“I can go to the first market of every month and people can stock up for those few weeks, so it’s worked out really well.”
The brand also carries with it sentimental value, with the name featuring the ‘Kilkea’ castle in Ireland, which holds a special place in his family history.
Kilkea Barossa Garlic is now selling a wider range of garlic products, including multiple varieties of the vegetable, garlic salt and powder.
Although still working full time as a consultant in the meat industry, Rutley said his small business has the potential to grow.
“Right now this business is my weekend job,” he said.
“It definitely has the potential to grow a lot bigger though, I just have to learn how to market myself more.”
Rutley grows all produce on his own land in the Barossa, alongside his chooks, which give him “handfuls of eggs” every morning.
The Barossa local is also working hard to build his own commercial kitchen to accompany his shed where he dries and processes the Garlic.
Rutley said he also makes an effort not to use any harmful chemicals while growing the garlic, to ensure a sustainable farming method.
Kilkea Barossa Garlic sells at the Barossa Market the first week of every month.
If you want to place a direct order, or follow Ritney’s garlic journey, head to (www.kilkeabarossa.com.au/).