How to keep garlic longer?

2023-09-17 06:02:43

What is garlic?

Along with onions, leeks and shallots, garlic is part of the Liliaceae family. It grows underground as a bulb, covered in a layer of inedible skin that protects the pods. These bulbs, also called “heads of garlic”add a special flavor to your dishes while being a valuable ally for your health.

How to store fresh garlic?

So yes, garlic can be preserved in different ways, whether as whole cloves, peeled or in paste form. I advise you to follow the guide to do things correctly.

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Important to know: garlic cannot stand the cold! That’s why I never store it in the refrigeratorand I strongly advise once morest doing so, even though it is common practice.

Preserving whole heads of garlic

To store garlic cloves whole, store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated cupboard. I recommend a temperature between 15 and 18°C ​​away from light. This will allow you to keep your garlic cloves for several months.

Storing unpeeled garlic cloves

If you’ve broken off a few more cloves than you need, store them along with the whole garlic heads in your pantry. Consume them within 10 days.

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Grocery shopping tip: I always prefer to buy whole heads of garlic rather than peeled cloves or minced garlic packed in olive oil. Fresh garlic is more economical and offers significantly better flavor!

How to store garlic paste?

Garlic paste. Source: spm

1. After peeling the garlic cloves, I chop them finely in a blender or food processor, adding a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. I mix everything until I obtain a smooth and homogeneous texture.
3. Then, I transfer the garlic paste to an airtight container and put it in the fridge, which allows me to store it for a week.

How to store peeled garlic?

Peeled garlic. Source: spm

Peeled garlic cloves are convenient, especially when you plan to cook throughout the week. To preserve them, here is my technique:

1. Break the pod and remove the thin skin surrounding it.
2. Next, place the peeled pods in an airtight container or plastic storage bag.
3. Make sure to close it tightly and store in the refrigerator.

Your peeled garlic cloves are ready, so you can use within 5 to 7 days.

How to freeze garlic?

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Garlic can be stored in the freezer indefinitely, but the freezing method varies depending on its condition (whole or peeled).

1. For garlic heads and individual unpeeled garlic cloves

I put the garlic in a plastic freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, seal it, write the date, then place it in the freezer.

2. For the peeled garlic cloves

First, I place the peeled garlic cloves on a small baking sheet that I cover with plastic wrap, then I let them freeze for 1 hour. Next, I transfer the garlic cloves to an airtight plastic bag, squeeze the air out of it, put a label on it with the date, and then place it in the freezer.

3. For the garlic paste

I take the garlic paste and divide it into small silicone ice cube trays which I let freeze for regarding an hour. Next, I transfer the garlic puree cubes to a plastic freezer bag and seal it tightly, making sure to exclude any air. I close the bag, stick a label with the date, and place it in the freezer for storage for regarding 6 months.

Some tips and tricks for keeping garlic longer

In addition to the freezing tips shared, I advise you to never peel all your garlic. Only peel the pods so you need them when you need them. In fact, garlic keeps better and longer in its skin, thus guaranteeing its freshness, texture and taste.

As I already mentioned, the best place for preserve the garlic is a dark, cool, well-ventilated and uncluttered closet. Garlic spoils quickly in contact with heat and light. So I recommend storing it in the coolest part of your kitchen, ideally close to the floor and away from the stove which gives off heat.

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Another important tip: Never store your garlic in a plastic bag unless you want to freeze it. Indeed, garlic needs ventilation and air to breathe!

How to use garlic: raw or cooked?

Raw garlic has a pungent, bitter flavor, much stronger than cooked garlic. It is generally used in salad dressings. For example, I garnish my grated carrots with a sauce made from olive oil, salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon and a little garlic, creating a simple and delicious starter!

However, if you prefer a lighter flavor, cook the garlic. Cooking softens its flavor and gives it more subtle flavors ; sometimes almost slightly sweet, particularly if you cook it low and slow.

You can also roast it without peeling it to make a puree. For example, to enhance the flavor of a roast chicken, incorporate garlic cloves into the preparationthen proceed with the usual cooking for an authentic taste experience.

Tips for Buying Quality Garlic

Garlic heads and cloves. Source: spm

To ensure that your garlic lasts for a long time, first make sure you buy very fresh garlic.

How to proceed ?

1. To choose garlic, my first step is to check its firmness by exerting light pressure on the pod. If it resists, it means the garlic is fresh.
2. I also check that the pod is very compact with a very smooth and dry white skin. There should be no signs of mold (no black powder).
3. I do not choose garlic cloves showing signs of sprouting, as these indicate that the garlic is old.

Where to buy garlic?

You will find garlic on sale at the supermarket or grocery store, usually near onions and potatoes. It can be sold in individual pods or packaged in small mesh bags.

FAQ

How to store garlic for several months in the refrigerator?

To keep garlic fresh longer, put it in a cool, well-ventilated place without light. If necessary, use the refrigerator, but place it in the main area, not in the crisper.

How long can you keep garlic?

When stored in a cool, dark placewhole garlic cloves keep well for 3 to 6 months. However, when they are peeled, they can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight bag for 5 to 7 days.

Can you eat garlic sprouts?

You can eat garlic sprouts, although they taste bitter. If you don’t like it, remove them by peeling the pod lengthwise and removing them with a small sharp knife.

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