Like most people, you surely have garlic in your kitchen. Probably you harvested it from your yard or purchased it somewhere. But do you know how to store fresh garlic properly?
Many people put their garlic in their fridges and tell their neighbors that it’s the best way to store fresh garlic. We won’t argue, but keeping it in the fridge is possible, but if you want to get fresher garlic when cooking, we don’t recommend doing it. So what’s the right way?
Read this whole article to see the most effective on how to store fresh garlic!
But let’s learn more about garlic in this quick question-and-answer section.
Before you learn how to store fresh garlic, get to know more about this plant!
Here are some famous questions we can answer so you know why garlic is a powerful ingredient that needs proper storage.
Does garlic have nutrients?
Garlic falls under the onion family and is used as a flavoring in many dishes. And yes, it’s also a good source of vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium.
What’s the best tip when purchasing garlic?
When purchasing garlic, look for heads that are plump with tight cloves. Avoid heads that are sprouting or have started to wither.
Is it fine to wash whole garlic bulbs before keeping them?
Do not ever dare to wash your garlic. If you do this, you’ll only trash your garlic. They hate water!
What does garlic loves and hates?
In terms of storage, garlic loves cool, dark, and dry places. Meanwhile, they hate light and damp environments. That’s why the fridge might or might not be the place to store garlic. It’s cool and dark but a little damp, right?
The proper way to store fresh garlic
There are different ways on how to store fresh garlic. Some are easy, while some require effort. But here’s what we recommend doing!
Purchase a garlic keeper and put your garlic in it!
For us, the best way to store fresh garlic to maintain its natural aroma and taste is the simplest method. After all, garlic is not a demanding plant, and they only require three things. Darkness, cool temperature, and dry environment.
So, let’s just give them what they prefer by purchasing a garlic keeper.
What is a garlic keeper?
A garlic keeper is a storage container specifically designed to keep garlic fresh. It is typically made of ceramic or clay pot that helps keep your garlic fresher for longer. It does this by absorbing excess moisture and keeping the cloves from sprouting.
This not only extends the shelf life of your garlic but also helps preserve its flavor and aroma.
While garlic can be stored in many containers, a garlic keeper is the best option for preserving its freshness. But why?
- A garlic keeper typically has an airtight seal and ventilation holes to allow for proper airflow.
- This helps to prevent mold and mildew, which can cause the cloves to spoil quickly.
- Garlic kept in a properly ventilated storage container will last for several months without losing its flavor or quality.
Here are a couple of things you must do to your fresh garlic before storing it in a garlic keeper:
- First, cut off the end and any brown or dried-out cloves. This will help prevent sprouting while in storage. Next, peel away any loose skin.
- Make sure the cloves are clean and free from dirt and debris. You can just scrape the debris but do not wash it, whatever happens.
- Store it in your garlic keeper and place it in your cabinet.
Other ways on how to store fresh garlic
Suppose you don’t have a garlic keeper yet; no worries because there are still other ways to do it. Take a look at this list.
- Let your garlic sit in your pantry. Ensure that the place is at room temperature and dark or that there is no direct sunlight exposure.
- If you want, you can organize them using a mesh bag before placing them in your pantry. Mesh bags are perfect containers because it promotes good air circulation.
Tips when storing fresh garlic
So now that you know the ways on how to store fresh garlic, it’s time to learn some essential tips.
- First, ensure the garlic is clean and dry before storing it. If there is any debris, dirt, or moisture on the cloves, this can cause them to rot.
- Don’t clean garlic heads with water.
- Don’t feel guilty when removing the loose skins of garlic. That’s just fine!
- If you have whole heads of garlic, you can also store them in a cupboard with the cloves facing up.
- You can also keep garlic in the refrigerator but wrap it tightly so it doesn’t dry out.
- If you want your garlic to last for a long time, you can freeze it. Just make sure to chop or mince the cloves before freezing them.
- You can also roast, pickle, or dehydrate your garlic if you want. But that will require a process.
- Do not put them in an airtight container unless they are roasted, pickled, or dehydrated.
- Do not mix fresh garlic with oil unless you’ll cook it.
Some recipes you can try with your fresh garlic
If you have a surplus of fresh garlic, never fear. There are plenty of recipes to take advantage of this pungent ingredient. Here are some of our favorites.
- Roasted garlic is a delicious and easy way to use up extra cloves. Simply slice the top off each clove, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in a hot oven until soft and caramelized. Add roasted garlic to pasta dishes, pizza, or on top of grilled meats for extra flavor.
- For a quick garlicky hit, fry the chopped garlic in olive oil until golden brown and crispy. Use as a flavoring for cooked vegetables or tossed through pasta dishes.
- Garlic bread is always a hit! To make it, simply spread some softened butter on your favorite bread and top it with roasted or raw garlic cloves. You can also add other herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
- Sauteed garlic is another delicious way to use fresh cloves.
Now you’re ready to store fresh garlic!
Now that you know how to store fresh garlic, it’s time to apply all this information in real life! You might be surprised that storing garlic is as easy as one two three. You just need to remember to store them in places they love, such as a cold, dark, and dry environment. Once you have stored them correctly, you can surely enjoy a bounty supply of garlic anytime!