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The Ultimate Guide to Garlic Storage: Say Goodbye to Moldy Mess

Preserving garlic is incredibly easy with this simple method. You can store it for a long time without it spoiling.

19 March, 2024

Keep the Whole Garlic Bulb Intact

Once garlic is separated into individual cloves, its shelf life decreases significantly. Typically, a separated clove of garlic will only last about 10 days.

The simplest way to store fresh garlic at room temperature is to keep it in a mesh bag. Fresh garlic should be stored in a dry, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing garlic is around 15-18 degrees Celsius with moderate humidity.

Use Roasted Salt

Preserving garlic with roasted salt is a very effective method that is quick, easy, and can be done by anyone at home. This preservation technique helps absorb moisture and prevent bacterial growth, keeping the garlic from spoiling and prolonging its shelf life.

Ingredients and Tools

Garlic, 60g of salt

Pan, gauze, bag

Instructions

First, prepare about 60g of salt and heat it in a pan over medium heat until it dries out and turns golden brown.

Next, use a clean piece of gauze to wrap the roasted salt. Then, place the garlic and the salt packet into a bag. Squeeze out the excess air from the bag, tie it shut, and store it in a cool, dry place.

With this preservation method, you can keep garlic from spoiling for 1 to 2 years.

Store Garlic in the Vegetable Drawer of Your Refrigerator

However, refrigerated garlic will start to sprout after a few days outside of the fridge. Although sprouted garlic is still edible, it tends to have a bitter taste. Therefore, if you choose to store garlic in the refrigerator, make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.

Peeled or cut garlic can also be stored in the refrigerator. The best way to do this is to place the garlic in a plastic bag or a container with a lid, and it will keep for about 2 weeks.

Freeze the Garlic

If you don’t use garlic frequently or want to avoid wasting leftover cloves, or find it tedious to peel garlic every time you need it, freezing is a great option for preservation.

Ingredients and Tools

Garlic

Ice cube tray, food storage container, plastic wrap/aluminum foil

Instructions

Method 1: Separate the unpeeled garlic cloves, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a food storage container, and store them in the freezer. When needed, take out individual cloves, peel, and use.

Method 2: Mince the garlic, place it into the ice cube tray compartments, and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the freezer. When needed, simply pop out a garlic cube and use it directly.

Brine the Garlic

Brining garlic is similar to brining other vegetables. Although it is more labor-intensive than other preservation methods, brining can keep garlic for several months.

Note that brining will reduce the flavor intensity of the garlic, but it can be added to salads, stir-fries, and beans.

To dehydrate garlic, peel and slice it into thin pieces. Dehydrate in an oven at 45 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, or until completely crisp. Store the dehydrated garlic in an airtight container at room temperature for several months.

Note: Do not brine fresh, unripe garlic in oil, as it provides an ideal environment for the growth of Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Dehydrate the Garlic

Another effective way to preserve garlic is by dehydration. Dehydrated garlic takes up less space and is easier to store in your kitchen. Additionally, dehydrated garlic absorbs water when used in cooking, enhancing the flavor of your dishes.

Ingredients and Tools

Garlic

Food dehydrator, oven

Instructions

Method 1: Using a Food Dehydrator

Peel the garlic and cut the cloves in half lengthwise. Place them on the dehydrator trays and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to dehydrate the garlic.

Method 2: Using an Oven

If you don’t have a food dehydrator, you can use your oven. First, peel and halve the garlic cloves, then place them on a baking tray. Bake at 60°C for 2 hours.

After that, reduce the temperature to 55°C and continue baking until the garlic is completely dry.

Frequently asked questions

Keep the garlic bulb intact and store it at room temperature in a mesh bag in a dry, dark place. The ideal temperature is 15-18°C with moderate humidity.

Heat 60g of salt in a pan until dry and golden brown. Wrap the roasted salt in gauze, then place it in a bag with the garlic. This method helps absorb moisture and prevent bacterial growth, keeping garlic fresh for up to 2 years.

Yes, but refrigerated garlic tends to sprout after a few days outside the fridge, which may affect its taste. Peeled or cut garlic can be stored in a sealed bag or container in the fridge for about 2 weeks.

Freezing garlic is a great option to preserve it for longer, especially if you don’t use it frequently. You can freeze unpeeled cloves, minced garlic, or garlic cubes in an ice cube tray, making it convenient and reducing waste.

Yes, brining garlic can keep it fresh for several months, but it reduces the flavor intensity. Note that brining fresh garlic in oil is not recommended due to the risk of bacterial growth.

Dehydration is an effective method to preserve garlic, reducing its storage space. Peel and slice garlic, then dehydrate in an oven at 45°C for 30 minutes or until crisp. Alternatively, use a food dehydrator following the manufacturer’s instructions.