Our Beginning

Sam and Jamie Hicks found themselves with a desire to farm, use the land the family owned, and see their five girls integrate into a family business that kept them in the great outdoors. After a great deal of research into small farming, a determination to cultivate a unique produce and farm the land was planted into the heart of the family.

Within three years, the Hicks family has established a large garlic farm with over 30,000 bulbs in the ground for 2014 harvest. The farm has over 10 strands, but specializes in its unique cultivation of a self-sustaining 200 year old garlic.

Brookhaven Farm adheres to Certified Naturally Grown® practices and minimizes its farming footprint. We heavily use leaves (20 tri-axle dump truck loads!) for mulching from the town of Ramseur and organic cattle manure from the local Langley Farm.

Why Is This Garlic Farm Special?

Brookhaven was blessed to acquire a garlic that had more than just a great taste!  It has a rich history unlike any other garlic in the USA.  Beginning in the mid 1700’s and many generations ago, the Cox family planted a garlic and orchard crop along the banks of the Cape Fear River Basin in Randolph County, N.C. The path in front of the farm cabin was a trade route and a mill ford river crossing. The still family-owned  and operated Cox farm has a long history of field crops, dairy and cattle farming and pecan harvesting from the large pecan trees lining the farm. From the beginning garlic, among other produce, was established by the family for both personal use and provision for travelers. The original garden is no longer maintained, but among the jonquils and Star of Bethlehem that graces the hillside, a special vegetable was found. Since the first generation of 1800 and for over 200 years since, the garlic has propagated itself, growing each year to a full bloom, reseeding, lying dormant until the following season where it again would come to full growth.  This is so unusual and special for a hardneck garlic in the Southeastern U.S.  It truly is one of a kind. For over 200 years, the porcelain has developed a unique flavor and health from the nitrogen-enriched rolling hills of this 250 year old family farm.

The farm was also the Quaker adopted home of Braxton Craven who in his work day would have been part of harvesting and growing the garlic. Braxton founded Duke University and set it on its course with his close friend Brantley York. He became a noted nineteenth century educator, preacher, lecturer, and author.

Today, Brookhaven Farms is a neighboring farm that has meticulously increased the cultivation and propagation of this garlic and returned it to the tables of chefs, cooks and families. When you eat our garlic you are continuing the tradition of a 200 year old garlic!

A Peek At What Is Happening At Brookhaven Farm

Homesite Of The Cox Family Farm And Braxton Craven Garlic

Over the top of the naturally growing Braxton Craven Garlic you can see the original Cox Homesite hilltop. Mr. Bill Johnson, current owner and husband of the Cox Farm heir, points out the garlic on the hillside. A healthier garlic would not be found even with human assistance, as this porcelain garlic that has adapted to the North Carolina seasons. The last picture shows a garlic that started its growth on this hillside over 200 years ago.