Garlic is a crowd favorite for cooks and gardeners alike. It's easy to grow in the garden and adds the finishing touch to almost any meal, whether it's a side dish or the main event. So, if you've added garlic to your vegetable garden, or added a few bulbs to your grocery cart, you may be wondering about the best practices for storing it.
Fortunately, if you grow, harvest, and store garlic properly, you can enjoy it all winter long. There are several different ways to store fresh garlic, whether you'd like to store it as is, or chop it up and create a puree. Below, you'll discover all the best methods for storing garlic, as well as the proper methods to ensure it maintains its delicious flavor.
Tools You'll Need
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Some methods of storing garlic are simpler than others, so the tools you'll need will vary. Sometimes all you'll need is the garlic and a container, while others need some prep tools and extra ingredients. Below, you'll find some of the essentials, as well as optional ingredients and tools.
- Ventilated container
- Air tight jar or container
- Plastic bag
- Freezer bag
- Grater
- Wood skewer
- Sharp knife
- Garlic press
- Olive oil
- Wine or vinegar
- Food dehydrator
- Oven and oven tray
- Food processor
- Sea salt
How to Store Fresh Garlic
Storing Garlic in Bulk
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Storing fresh garlic in bulk is one of the simplest options. All you have to do is place the bulbs in a well-ventilated container, such as a basket, mesh bag, or wooden bowl, and keep it in a dark, cool area. Make sure the area receives good air circulation and store it out of direct sunlight to prevent mold and sprouting.
Unpeeled bulbs usually do best in temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Whole bulbs can last for about three to six months, while unpeeled cloves can last for around 10 days. Peeled, chopped, or pressed cloves should be refrigerated in a plastic bag, lasting around five to seven days.
Many people make the mistake of storing whole bulbs in the refrigerator, but that will just cause them to sprout! Only refrigerate your garlic if you have chopped or pressed it. In this case, store any leftover or pressed cloves in an air-tight container or plastic bag in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Storing Garlic in the Freezer
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While freezing garlic is controversial (some cooks say it causes the garlic to turn bitter), it's the ideal way to ensure your chopped, pressed, or peeled cloves will last the test of time. This will also ensure any leftover cloves don't go to waste. You can store whole cloves by placing them in a freezer bag and grating off as much as you need when cooking.
To be able to grate your frozen pressed, chopped, or finely diced cloves, separate the pulverized cloves into sections by flattening the bag and using a wooden skewer to create small, easy-to-use sections.
Storing Garlic in Oil
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Storing garlic in olive or avocado oil is a great way to keep the cloves fresh and create your own homemade garlic-infused oil. To do this, simply peel your cloves and submerge them in a jar, or air-tight container, filled halfway the oil of your choosing. Once you've put all the cloves in the jar, top it off and place in the freezer. Storing garlic in oil at room temperature is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, so keep it in the freezer, where it should last for up to six months.
Alternatively, you can mix one part peeled cloves and two parts olive oil in the food processor to create a puree.
Storing Garlic in Wine or Vinegar
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You can also pickle garlic in dry white or red wine, or white vinegar! Simply fill an air-tight jar with peeled cloves and then pour over your liquid of choice. You can also add salt and other dried herbs such as red pepper to add extra flavor. Seal the jar and place it in the refrigerator for up to four months. It cannot be stored at room temperature. If you notice any mold in the jar, throw the contents away immediately.
Remember, the tasty garlic-infused vinegar makes an excellent addition to salad dressings or sauces. Don't let it go to waste!
Drying Garlic
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Another option is to dry your garlic. You can do this using a food dehydrator or the oven. Simply peel the cloves and cut them in half or in slices. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your food dehydrator or bake in the oven at a low temperature. The suggested temperature for dehydrating garlic is 120 degrees Fahrenheit but different cooks have different preferences. The garlic will take anywhere from two to four hours to dry. A good way to test if it's done is by grabbing a piece and bending it. If the garlic snaps, it's ready! On the other hand, if it bends, toss them back in the over for a little while.
Note, the garlic will continue to crisp when its taken out of the oven. So, be cautious not to burn them!
This process will cause the garlic to condense, making it easy to store in an air-tight container in your pantry. When you use it in cooking, the cloves will absorb water and add plenty of flavor to the dish.
Garlic Salt
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Garlic salt is an easy way to add a salty, flavorful touch to any meal. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make at home. Follow the instructions listed above to dry the cloves and then blend them in a food processor until they become a fine powder. Add in four parts sea salt for every one part powdered garlic and mix to combine. You can store the mixture in an air-tight container in your pantry.
Clove is in the Air!
While it takes a few months to grow, garlic is one of the best vegetables for long-term storage. And depending on your preferences, you can store it in a multitude of different ways, all of which are ideal for different uses. Toss a pinch of garlic salt over buttery popcorn, drizzle garlic oil onto your next chicken dinner, and add a bit of frozen garlic into your next creamy sauce.
Will you be storing garlic using any of these techniques? Let us know how it goes down below!