The right storage can help your garlic heads last up to an entire year.
Here’s how to store whole and peeled garlic to make it last.
How To Choose Fresh Garlic
This edible bulb is related to onions, leeks, and chives.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
There are two main sources of garlic:domestic and Chinese.
Garlic grown in the U.S. typically has roots attached, though not always.
Chinese bulbs do not because removing them reduces their weight during shipping.
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When buying, look for firm garlic heads with tightly packed cloves and tight skins.
Avoid any garlic bulbs with sprouts, blemishes, or cuts.
A whole bulb can last for months if properly stored.
If unpeeled cloves separate from the head, they can be stored with the rest of the head.
Whilethe fridge is ruled outfor its low temperature, the best option is an unheated pantry or similar space.
If the basement of your home isn’t too humid, that works as well.
While sprouted garlic is safe to eat, it means the garlic bulb is aging and regenerating itself.
It may also become bitter.
An unpeeled, wholehead of garlicis typically good for approximately six months.
Seek out small to medium bulbs for longer storage capabilities.
If unused before it goes bad, consider makingpickled garlic, which lasts for up to four months.
Minced, grated, or sliced garlic should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.
Once you start to see any signs of discoloration, immediately use or discard the garlic.
Can You Freeze Garlic?
Simply mince the garlic and place a teaspoon or two into each compartment of an ice cube tray.
Cover the garlic with water or oil, freeze, then transfer to a storage container once firm.
Cleveland Clinic.6 garlic benefits to boost your health.
Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.Secrets of storing garlic.
U.S. Department of Agriculture: AskUSDA.Can you get botulism from garlic in oil?
