How To Store Garlic Properly

Storing fresh garlic the right way is like preserving little nuggets of culinary alchemy. With proper methods, you can keep its pungent punch and vibrant flavor intact for months, enriching your dishes anytime the mood strikes.

Here are a few awesome kitchen tips to store garlic for months:

1. Keep The Bulbs Whole

To preserve the garlic bulb's whole as long as possible is one of the most crucial things to keep in mind. Once the bulb is broken the shelf life reduces significantly. The individual cloves may only survive for a few weeks, while bulbs might endure up to more than 6 months.

2. Store In A Cool, Dry Place

The ideal temperature range for storing garlic is between 60°F and 65°F (15°C and 18°C). Garlic should be kept fresh in a cold pantry, basement, or cabinet. Garlic must not be kept near any heat sources like stoves or ovens since the heat will dry up and degrade the bulbs more quickly. 

3. Use Breathable Containers

Be aware to use a wire basket, mesh bag, or paper bag to store garlic for effective airflow. This prevents any kind of mold growth and will increase the shelf life. Keep the airtight containers and plastic bags away while storing the process as they can retain moisture and promote the growth of mold.

4. Keep The Garlic Away From Sunlight

Due to its responsiveness to light, garlic bulbs may dry up and germinate when exposed to sunlight. Garlic must be kept in a dark place, such as a pantry or closet where light won't pass by. You must ensure that it is not resting in intense artificial lights or the direct sun.

While the classic methods of storing garlic in baskets, paper bags, and braids are tried-and-true, there's a whole world of unconventional yet effective options waiting to be explored to store garlic cloves, and here are some of them.

Clay Pot Powder

Clay pots, thanks to their porous nature, allow just the right amount of moisture to circulate, preventing garlic from drying out. Traditional terracotta pots, specially designed for optimal air circulation are also ideal for storing garlic.

You can simply place the garlic bulbs inside the pot, leaving the lid slightly open to allow airflow. This rustic, simple method helps to keep your garlic fresh.

Salt Preservation

Garlic usually flourishes in a dry environment, and salt is a natural desiccant that helps in absorbing excess moisture. You can layer your garlic cloves in a bed of coarse salt in a ceramic or glass container.

You must ensure the cloves do not overlap and cover them entirely with salt to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.

Oil Immersion

Olive oil is a great way to preserve peeled garlic cloves and produce a tasty garnish that can be stored for weeks. This oil scented with garlic is great for marinades, pastas, and salads.

The oil infused with garlic must be kept in a cold and dark place and for a richer flavor, you can try roasting the garlic first before immersing it in oil.

Pickled Perfection

Pickling garlic gives it a tangy kick and helps to preserve it for months. You can experiment with various pickling liquids for unique flavors. Remember to choose smaller garlic cloves for pickling as they'll soak up the liquid more effectively.

Garlic Powder

For long-term storage, consider transforming your garlic into a convenient powder. To grind the cloves into fine powder first do dehydrate them. You can store the powder in an airtight container in a dark, cool area which ensures the garlic preserves its strong taste profile for a long time.

Vacuum Solution

For longer durability, vacuum-sealing garlic cloves is one of the ideal methods. Removing all air creates a favorable environment that restricts mold and bacterial growth, keeping garlic fresh for months.

You can divide garlic into smaller portions before vacuum-sealing, allowing you to use only what you need without exposing the rest to air.

There are unconventional ways to preserve this onion companion plant in roasted form, extending its shelf life and unlocking a world of flavor possibilities.

Cool The Roasted Garlic 

After roasting the garlic, let it cool fully before storing, this prevents condensation which prevents the garlic from spoiling.

Store In The Fridge For "short-term storage"

Once the garlic is cooled, squeeze it to store it in an airtight jar or container. For longer preservation, you can cover the garlic with olive oil which helps the garlic to be moist. You can then place the jar or container in the refrigerator which can last a few weeks.

Freeze For "long-term storage"

You can freeze the individual cloves of garlic by placing them on the baking sheet. Then you have to freeze them until solid, and then transferring into an air-sealed container or jar.

Garlic Salt

To use the optimal benefits of garlic, you can even incorporate it as a salt for seasoning purposes. To make homemade garlic salt simply blend roasted garlic cloves with coarse sea salt in a food processor until finely ground. For ideal storage of this salt, place it in a cool dark place in an airtight jar or container. 

Green garlic, that tender adolescent version of mature garlic, offers a milder, sweeter punch to your dishes. But its fleeting freshness requires different storage methods than its bulbous elder. Here are some ways to keep these easy pot-grown vegetables for weeks or even months:

1. Wrapped And Chilled

You can wrap single green garlic stalks in a humid paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the humidity drawer of your fridge. The dampness keeps the stalks hydrated, while the bag prevents excessive moisture buildup. Replace the paper towel when it dries out to maintain optimal moisture levels.

2. Watery Oasis

Place the roots of your green garlic in a glass of water, just like fresh-cut flowers. Keep the water level near the base of the stalks and change it every few days.

This method simulates its natural growing environment and encourages new green shoots to sprout. Place your glass in a cool, sunny spot for best results.

3. Ice Cube Innovation

Freeze chopped green garlic in ice cube trays with a little olive oil. Pop a cube into your pan for instant garlic flavor without chopping.

This method works well for pesto, chimichurri sauce, or stir-fries. Label your frozen cubes with the type and quantity of garlic for easy identification.

The timing and method for storing different kinds of garlic depend on their maturity and intended use. Here's a detailed guide on when to store various garlic types:

Fresh Garlic Bulbs

You can store them immediately after purchase or harvest, them once the bulbs are fully dried and cured. Harvested garlic typically needs 2-3 weeks of curing before it is ready for long-term storage.

Green Garlic

Green garlic which is harvested before the bulb matures, should be stored immediately after picking or buying since it's more perishable.

Garlic Scapes

The curly green stalks grown from hard-neck garlic must be stored right away after harvesting. You can use plastic bags and keep them in the fridge where they can last 2-3 weeks.

Peeled Garlic

After peeling, garlic must be stored instantly as its shelf life significantly decreases once the papery skins are removed. Peeled garlic can lose its pungency faster, as exposure to air increases oxidation which weakens its flavor over time.

Garlic must be stored properly to maintain its taste, freshness, and health advantages. Garlic holds its nutritional value and sharpness for several months. To restrict mold growth, sprouting, or spoiling, garlic must be placed in a cold, dry, and well-ventilated space.

Another important thing to consider is that when garlic is stored as a whole bulb its unique flavor and therapeutic qualities are preserved. Garlic's health aid might be reduced by improper storage, which can result in the loss of important antioxidants and other bioactive chemicals.

For example, garlic kept in the refrigerator can grow too soon and become bitter, if it is stored properly in an open container it will last longer. Beyond its taste garlic's antibacterial, heart-healthy, and immune-boosting benefits solely depend on how it is preserved.