Unpeeled heads of garlic have the unique ability to remain edible for six months when properly stored if kept cool and dark conditions. This is because garlic grows best under these circumstances.
Avoid airtight containers that trap moisture as this causes garlic to rot more quickly, instead opt for more breathable containers like mesh bags or wire baskets.
Keep it in the fridge
Garlic is an indispensable ingredient, adding depth and spice to many dishes. Proper storage of garlic is critical in prolonging its shelf life; improper handling could quickly turn it rancid, losing both its pungent aroma and flavor. There are various methods available for extending its lifespan while maintaining quality: you could store it on the counter, in the fridge or even frozen; each method offers different advantages depending on the type and stage of garlic being stored.
Store fresh garlic at room temperature is generally not recommended as this can encourage bacterial growth and shorten its shelf life. By adding an acidifying agent such as vinegar or lemon juice to the storage container, such as lowering its pH level and creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth, an acidifying agent may help mitigate this problem and extend shelf life (1).
Store whole, unpeeled garlic in a cool, dark environment with minimal humidity for maximum longevity. A closet or spare cupboard that offers ventilation would likely do, though make sure the container used to house it is thoroughly sanitized before adding your garlic. Plastic bags tend to trap moisture and encourage mold growth; opt for something like a jar or mesh produce bag instead for best results.
Refrigerating peeled or chopped garlic can also extend its shelf life, provided you sterilize your storage container first before filling it with enough oil to completely cover it. Be sure to use high-quality, flavorless oil that won’t alter its taste if possible.
Once the garlic has been added to a jar, seal and store in the refrigerator immediately. Labelling with its date helps you track how long its been stored for. Alternatively, frozen chopped or peeled garlic extends its shelf life even further.
Keep it in the pantry
Garlic is an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen, adding depth of flavor to soups, sauces, marinades, hearty meat dishes and garlic bread dishes alike. Additionally, its super-savory aroma also lends itself perfectly for seasoning vegetables, rice or pasta dishes as well.
Whole bulbs of garlic should be stored in cool, dark and well-ventilated conditions with less than 60% humidity ideally between 60 to 65 degrees F and no direct sunlight exposure as this could cause sprouting and dry out of their bulbs.
First step to successfully storing garlic in the pantry is selecting an ideal storage container – mesh bag or woven basket are good choices, as they allow air circulation while protecting bulbs from touching. Avoid plastic bags and cling wrap as these will trap moisture, leading to spoilage of garlic bulbs.
If you grow your own garlic or purchased some from the farmers’ market, it’s a wise move to sterilize the container you plan on using for long-term storage. Wash thoroughly with hot, soapy water before boiling or running through a dishwasher cycle for sanitation.
Once your container has been sterilized, place your garlic bulbs inside. Be careful not to overcrowd, as this could hasten spoilage of bulbs. Also ensure the lid or top of your container is airtight to maintain an optimal environment for growth.
Proper garlic storage will not only prevent it from spoiling but will also preserve its nutritional value and maintain its medicinal qualities. Garlic offers many health advantages and can help lower blood pressure, enhance cholesterol levels, alleviate cold symptoms, cleanse livers, help with arthritis symptoms and more.
Keep it in the freezer
Garlic is an amazing ingredient that adds an intense punch of flavor to almost any dish, whether cooking at home or using it in your garden. However, proper storage of garlic is essential if it is to retain its freshness and pungency for maximum effectiveness – there are various easy methods available to you that can keep garlic fresh and tasty!
A whole head of garlic can last several months when stored properly. The ideal temperature and environment is room temperature, where its bulbs remain dry and crisp. Store your head of garlic somewhere cool and dark with sufficient ventilation – such as your closet or basement – however a paper bag or covered basket are also suitable storage methods.
To extend the life of bulbs, first cut away any sprouts and stem tips to help prevent rot and mildew growth. Next, cover their heads in plastic or paper towel before placing in a dark, cool location out of direct sunlight – for optimal results invest in a root cellar but this option usually is not accessible.
If you have excess garlic, freezing can extend its shelf life and lengthen its shelf life up to six months. Just be sure to store it in freezer safe containers; freezer burn can damage flavor and texture of garlic so airtight plastic bags or jars may leak or absorb odors during storage.
If space is at a premium, chopping garlic and freezing it in an ice cube tray for future use may be easier. Just ensure the cubes are double or triple bagged to prevent leakage or absorb any of their garlicky scent. Using small silicone ice cube trays makes the process faster; just remember to label each bag accordingly with its contents and date.
Keep it in a jar
Garlic can be stored in oil to prolong its flavor for months. For best results, the container should first be sterilized, using neutral-flavored vegetable oils like olive oil as the medium for storage. After adding garlic to the jar, make sure its lid remains secure as escaping air could make spoilage even faster than expected. Additionally, store it in the fridge to reduce bacteria growth that would otherwise occur at room temperature; additionally it’s wise to avoid keeping garlic near food or ingredients which emit strong smells as this could transfer their scent over and make spoilage speed up quickly!
To extend the shelf life of garlic, select fresh bulbs with firm cloves and tight skins. Store your bulbs in a cool, dark area until ready for use – whole bulbs can be stored in the pantry while peeled and sliced garlic should be placed in the fridge if available; alternatively a cool, dark cupboard would suffice.
Temperature, humidity and ventilation all play an integral part in determining how long garlic can stay fresh for use. Too much moisture may cause it to mold or rot while dry conditions lead to shrinkage and flavor loss.
Root cellars were once considered ideal storage space for large quantities of garlic. While not every household can take advantage of such facilities today, if you do have access to one ideally temperatures should range between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity levels and plenty of airflow for optimal conditions.
Garlic can also be frozen to extend its shelf life, though doing so takes more effort than simply tossing it in the freezer. For best results, use fresh and clean cloves that have not become soft and mushy before freezing individually on a baking sheet until solid before adding them to a bag for storage – this prevents sticking together during defrosting.
