Quebec’s garlic farmers may not want to attract many vampires, but they are hoping to see their crops become more popular among humans in the province.

Thousands of people came to Saturday’s tenth annual garlic festival in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, an event designed to boost Quebec farmers’ market share. Only 10 per cent of garlic consumed in Quebec is grown locally.

“We promote Quebec garlic and we promote to the people who grow it,” said Association of Quebec Garlic Growers head Serge Pageau. “We’ve seen today, many people coming here and asking about the association.

While China produces nearly two thirds of the world’s garlic, festival-goers said nothing compares to the local stuff.

“I love garlic and I wait for this opportunity to get my garlic for the winter because I hang it up in my kitchen and there’s nothing like fresh garlic,” said Susan Bardos. “The stuff you get in the stores in the winter doesn’t compare to this.”

Farmers grow up to 50 different types of garlic in Quebec. The festival provided a chance to taste the different varieties.

“Most of the stuff in the grocery store might have been good when it was harvested, but by the time it’s travelled and gotten here, it’s often not stored in the best conditions,” said festival founder Daniel Brisebois. “It’s old and dry and doesn’t last very long.”

Fresh garlic can last up to a year if stored in a cool, dark place. Planted in the fall, Quebec’s cold winters actually produce a more pungent flavour, which the farmers are hoping will help encourage foodies to look local the next time they reach for a bulb.