The Ultimate Guide to Storing Garlic: No Sprouts, No Softness, for Months

## Why Don’t Supermarket Onions Sprout Like the Ones at Home?

Why do onions and garlic sprout at home, but not in supermarkets?

You may have noticed that onions and garlic sprout quickly at home, yet they seem to last forever in supermarkets. The truth is, the high turnover rate in supermarkets means that their onion and garlic stocks are constantly being replenished, so they never reach the sprouting stage.

Additionally, there are several factors that contribute to the longer shelf life of onions and garlic in supermarkets:

– Supermarkets provide a more controlled environment with optimal temperatures, resulting in higher-quality produce. The relatively higher humidity at home can stimulate sprouting. Moreover, at supermarkets, onions and garlic are displayed separately, while at home, they are often stored together with other vegetables, which can catalyze sprouting.

– Many agricultural products, including onions and garlic, are not available year-round and require special preservation methods. Supermarkets often use lighting technology to disinfect, prevent mold, and control humidity, which can hinder sprouting to some extent and eliminate certain bacteria from the outer layers.

– Supermarket staff regularly inspect and replace produce that does not meet their standards, ensuring an attractive display and maintaining product quality.

How can I store onions and garlic at home to prevent sprouting and shriveling?

Although sprouted onions and garlic are still edible and may even contain increased levels of health-beneficial compounds, their flavor and texture change. On the other hand, shriveled onions and garlic are no longer desirable.

Here are some tips for effective home storage:

Use mesh bags: Store onions and garlic in mesh bags in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and moisture, as these conditions accelerate sprouting. Maintaining a relatively cool and well-ventilated environment can significantly slow down the sprouting process.

Use pepper and salt: Roast a small amount of pepper and salt, allow it to cool, and then place it in a thin mesh bag within the onion and garlic bag. The peppercorns repel insects, and the salt absorbs moisture, creating a drier environment that inhibits sprouting.

Refrigerate with moisture absorbers: Storing onions and garlic in the refrigerator creates a cooler environment that discourages sprouting. However, they can absorb moisture from other produce, so ensure the bag is sealed to prevent odor transfer. Include moisture absorbers in the bag to mitigate this issue.

Use baking soda and ginger: Ginger and baking soda are natural dehumidifiers and can be placed in bags with onions and garlic to help control moisture levels. They also have antibacterial properties, preventing spoilage and inhibiting sprouting.