Keep the Garlic Intact for Years! The Best Way to Store Garlic
A staple in many kitchens, garlic enhances flavor and nutrients in a variety of foods. Garlic may be kept fresh and useful for years if it is stored properly. Here are a few efficient ways to preserve garlic so that it lasts as long as possible without going bad.
- 1. Keep it somewhere dry and cool.
Bulbs of garlic grow well in cool, dry climates. Here’s how to properly store them: - Select the Ideal Location: Look for somewhere cool, dry, and well-ventilated, such as a cupboard or pantry. The optimal temperature range is from 15°C to 18°C, or 60°F to 65°F.
- Use a Mesh Bag or Basket: Garlic bulbs can be kept in a paper bag, mesh bag, or basket. They let air circulate, which keeps rot and mold at bay.
- Preserve Whole Bulbs: Garlic as complete bulbs as opposed to single cloves. The papery skin of whole bulbs shields the cloves, extending their shelf life.
2. Knotted Braids
An appealing and useful way to store garlic bulbs if you have a lot of them is to braid them and hang them:
- To prepare the garlic, keep the leaves and stems attached to the bulbs after harvesting. Give the garlic a few weeks to cure or dry in a cool, dry place.
- Braid the stems: After the garlic has had time to cure, entwine the stems. You can accomplish this by braiding together three or more stems, adding new bulbs as you go.
- Hang the Braids: Hang the garlic braids in a dry, cool location. This provides a rustic appeal while also preserving the garlic. to the kitchen.
3. Putting Garlic in Freezer
For flavor-retaining long-term storage, freezing is a great choice:
Peel the Cloves: Cut the garlic cloves apart and peel them.
- Flash-freeze the peeled cloves for a few hours, or until they are firm, by placing them on a baking sheet.
- To store frozen cloves, move them into an airtight freezer bag or container. Put them back in the freezer after labeling them with the date. Garlic that is frozen can keep its flavor for up to a year.
4. Drying Off Garlic
Garlic may be easily and dramatically extended in shelf life by dehydrating it:
Cut the Cloves: After peeling, cut the garlic cloves thinly.
Dry: Place the slices in a food dehydrator set to 125°F (52°C) and dry them until they are utterly dry and fragile.
Store in Tight Containers: Pack the dried garlic into jars or other tight-fitting containers. Keep them somewhere cold and dark. The dried garlic can be kept in slices or ground into a powder.
5. Short-Term Oil Storage
Garlic can be securely stored in oil for short-term use, but it is not advised for long-term storage due to the danger of botulism:
- Peel and Chop: Take the garlic cloves and chop them.
- Soak in Oil: Put the minced garlic in a glass jar and pour olive oil over it.
- Refrigerate: Use the jar within a week after storing it in the fridge. It should always be kept chilled to stop the growth of bacteria.
In summary
If you store garlic correctly, you’ll always have this necessary component on hand. ready to complement your culinary creations when needed. Your garlic can stay tasty and fresh for years if you store it in any of the following ways: braid, freeze, dehydrate, or put it in oil for immediate use. Take advantage of the numerous advantages of having flawlessly preserved garlic in your home!