## Keep Your Onions and Garlic Fresh All Year Round with These Simple Tips
Onions and dried garlic are indispensable spices in Vietnamese cuisine. While they are easy to store, if not properly stored, they can easily spoil, sprout or lose their flavor. Here are some simple tips to help you keep your onions and garlic fresh all year round.
Garlic and shallots not only enhance the flavor of dishes but also offer numerous health benefits. In particular, Ly Son’s “lonely garlic” is famous for its disease prevention properties, and many people buy it in bulk for long-term use. However, if stored improperly, garlic and onions can rot, mold, and lose their quality, leading to waste.
So, how can you keep your onions and garlic fresh for several months? Check out these simple tips.
Effective Tips for Storing Dried Garlic
Choose high-quality garlic from the start
The first step to long-lasting garlic is to select the right ingredients. Opt for larger, firm bulbs with intact, bright white outer skins. The inner cloves should be plump and not wrinkled or abnormally yellow or gray.
Garlic bulbs showing signs of wilting, sprouting, or peeling skin are of reduced quality and should not be purchased for long-term storage.
Use suitable storage containers
To prevent garlic from becoming moldy, store it in mesh bags, paper bags, or bamboo baskets. These options ensure ventilation and limit bacterial growth. You can easily find mesh bags for garlic at supermarkets or reuse brown paper bags.
Avoid using airtight plastic bags as the damp environment will cause garlic to spoil quickly.
Keep garlic in a cool, dry place
Choose a cool, dry spot in your kitchen, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to store your garlic. The ideal temperature for storing dried garlic is between 15-20°C (59-68°F). Additionally, regularly inspect your garlic and immediately remove any bulbs showing signs of deterioration to prevent it from spreading.
Tips for Keeping Shallots Fresh All Year Round
Choose mature, firm shallots
When buying shallots, select firm bulbs with dry, crisp outer skins that are easy to peel. Avoid those with wet, soft spots, or sprouted bulbs. Ideal shallots will have consistent coloring and no signs of wrinkling or wilting.
Choosing mature shallots at the outset is key to successful long-term storage.
Use mesh bags or bamboo baskets for storage
Like garlic, shallots require a well-ventilated environment. Store them in mesh bags, brown paper bags, or bamboo baskets. Never use airtight plastic bags or containers, as the lack of ventilation will cause shallots to spoil and mold.
Place the shallots in a breezy area, keeping them dry and away from excessive heat or cold.
Room Temperature Storage Procedure for Shallots
- Step 1: Select dry, firm shallots without soft spots or indentations.
- Step 2: Gently rub to remove any loose outer layers.
- Step 3: Place the shallots in mesh bags or baskets to ensure adequate ventilation.
- Step 4: Store in a dark place with temperatures between 5-15°C (41-59°F). Temperatures below 5°C (41°F) or above 20°C (68°F) will cause rapid deterioration.
- Step 5: Inspect the shallots weekly, discarding any that show signs of rot, softening, or discoloration.
Storing Peeled Shallots
If you’ve peeled or chopped shallots, place them in ziplock bags or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. This method will keep them fresh for 2-3 days.
Important Notes on Storing Onions and Garlic
- Do not expose onions and garlic to direct sunlight.
- Avoid storing them near high-moisture foods like leafy greens or fruits.
- Keep them away from heat-generating appliances like gas stoves or ovens.
With these simple tips, you can easily store onions and dried garlic for several months while retaining their distinctive flavors and quality. Understanding and applying the right storage methods will help you save money and always have fresh spices for your family’s meals.
We hope these tips become your handy companions in the kitchen. Don’t forget to regularly inspect your onions and garlic to ensure the health and safety of your family!
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