Garlic is not only a tasty addition to countless dishes, but also a basic ingredient in many cuisines around the world. However, to keep garlic fresh and tasty, it requires proper storage techniques. From choosing the right bulbs to knowing how to store them, there are various methods to preserve garlic for longer periods of time. Whether it’s storing whole onions at room temperature, refrigerating peeled cloves, freezing excess garlic, or even dehydrating it for alternative uses, each method plays a vital role in preserving the quality of this versatile ingredient. By following these storage tips, you can ensure your garlic stays fresh and ready to enhance the flavor of your favorite recipes whenever you need it.
Adding fresh garlic to many savory dishes is essential to enhance their flavor. Consequently, it is essential to know how to store garlic properly. This allium can grow bitter if not stored properly, or worse, shrivel and spoil.
Garlic is used in many recipes – garlic bread, stir-fries, pesto, pasta sauces and many more – whether it’s chopped, sliced ​​or pressed with a garlic press. Poor quality cloves are unacceptable whether you are cooking or eating! Learn how to properly store garlic so you can always have this staple in your cupboard.
How long does garlic stay fresh?
At first, buy one or two heads at a time and make an informed choice. Look for full heads of garlic that have firm cloves and skins securely wrapped. Avoid anything that is fragile and has started to sprout – bright green shoots sprout from each clove of garlic.
Garlic with a purple hue is perfectly acceptable; it is simply a different species known as hardneck because of its woody stem. This clove is absent in soft-necked or all-white garlic. You can use both types interchangeably.
Whichever variety of garlic you choose, here’s how to store it to make it last longer:
A head of garlic should be stored at room temperature.
Whole garlic bulbs or unpeeled garlic cloves should be stored in a cool, dry place in a container that allows for adequate airflow, such as a mesh bag or loosely woven basket. Store it out of direct sunlight in the pantry or in a basket on the counter.
Peel the garlic and store in the refrigerator.
While storing whole peeled cloves and sliced ​​or chopped garlic in the refrigerator is a great idea, refrigerating whole garlic bulbs is not recommended because it can cause sprouting. If you happen to have extra garlic that you chopped for a dish, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Use it within two to three days.
Keep large quantities of garlic frozen.
Do you have a lot of heads? Here’s a simple way to keep them safe: Grate, crush, or finely chop raw garlic cloves into ice cube trays. Drizzle with oil and put in the freezer. A quick word about food safety: The CDC recommends freezing this mixture as soon as possible to prevent foodborne illness. It should not be handled or stored at room temperature.
Dried garlic
Dried garlic cloves can be used to make tasty “chips” instead of just raw cloves. These fries can add a crunch to a variety of dishes, such as those that call for rice or chicken. Peel and cut the clove in half lengthwise, then follow the dryer instructions.
Dry the garlic in the oven for two hours at 140°F, then reduce the temperature to 130°F and continue drying for another four to six hours, or until the garlic is crispy.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
However, we have another suggestion if the bag you bought at the bulk market is about to expire: boil it! Here are some of our top recipes for garlic fans:
in total
Garlic is a staple in every pantry. Garlic can be frozen in oil, refrigerated with peeled or chopped cloves in an airtight container, or stored intact in a dry, dark place at room temperature. You will never run out of fresh garlic as there are many ways to preserve and use it.
In conclusion, knowing how to properly store garlic is essential to maintaining its freshness and flavor. Whether you’re using it in garlic bread, pasta sauces, stir-fries or pesto, keeping garlic in optimal condition is key to enhancing the flavor of your dishes. By following simple storage techniques such as keeping whole onions at room temperature, chilling peeled cloves in the refrigerator, freezing excess garlic or even dehydrating it for use as crisps, you can ensure you always have fresh garlic on hand. With these methods, you’ll never have to worry about running out of this versatile and indispensable ingredient in your kitchen.