Garlic is a small, pungent, super savory ingredient that adds a punch of flavor to meat, vegetables, rice and so much more. Learn how to store garlic, whole, cloves or peeled, along with tips on how to buy and how to make it last longer.
Make the most of your garlic and preserve its flavor for longer with these tried and tested storage tips!
I dont think there is any other ingredient that can be compared to the small but mighty flavor of fresh garlic. Its incredibly savory with a strong, pungent aroma that transforms into a sweet flavor addition.
My family and I love the garlic-y flavor and I put it in just about everything. Which is why I always have extra on hand. Because of this, I thought it best to share my tried and true tips on how to store garlic properly, to make it last longer.
And if you love this, be sure to check out How to Peel, Cut & Mince Garlic and make Garlic Paste, too! Jump to:
Garlic is a member of the lily (allium) family, along with onions, leeks and shallots. It grows underground in the form of a bulb, with an inedible skin that protects its small, off-white cloves.
The bulbs of garlic are most often referred to as heads in the culinary world. And each head contains anywhere from 10-20 cloves.
Fun Fact: When left in the ground long enough, green shoots produce garlic scapes, flower stalks that can be eaten. They are a common ingredient spotted at Farmers markets and specialty food stores throughout the spring season.
Unpeeled heads of garlic like to live in a dry, cool, ventilated, and dark place. Even though that sounds like the fridge, it’s not. Garlic should be stored closer to room temperature, away from heat. If you follow these rules, your garlic should live a long and prosperous life in your pantry.
How to Use Garlic – What Does it Taste Like?
Garlic is one of those popular ingredients that complete the dishes of just about every global cuisine. When raw, it is sharp, pungent and astringent. For this reason, it is often adding as a flavoring agent during cooking to mellow its flavor.
Depending on how the garlic is cut, the flavor can range from mild to strong. Once cooked, the flavor mellows significantly to a sweet, savory aroma. To take is a step further, roasted garlic transforms in a creamy, somewhat nutty ingredient that can be enjoyed all on its own. (Think Bruschetta!)
How to Store Fresh Garlic
Believe it or not, but garlic actually hates the cold, which is why I never store fresh, unpeeled garlic in the refrigerator. These are the storage practices I follow:
Whole Bulb: Store the whole bulb in a cool, dark, well-ventilated cupboard. Garlic will last the longest stored in a temperature between 60 – 65 degrees F. Because of this, I keep it in a cupboard away from the stove and near the floor. The garlic should last a few months.
Individual, Unpeeled Cloves: If you happen to have broken off a few extra cloves than you needed, store these right alongside the whole bulbs of garlic in your cupboard. Use within 10 days.
4 Ways to Store Garlic for Very Long Time! CiCi Li – Asian Home Cooking Recipes
FAQ
How do you keep garlic fresh longer?
Why garlic should not be refrigerated?
How long does garlic last in the refrigerator?
Why does garlic go bad so quickly?
How long does garlic stay fresh?
Garlic is pretty hardy. A whole head can stay fresh for up to six months. But where you store it is a personal decision. Perhaps you store garlic on a cool, dry countertop, and that works great. Great! Storing garlic in a sunny area can lead it to sprout, which makes the garlic clove taste sharper and less sweet.
Is cooked garlic good for you?
Cooked garlic has the same health benefits as raw garlic, such as reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promotes cancer prevention, has antibiotic properties and prevents Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Does garlic need to be refrigerated?
Garlic is a delicious and common ingredient that adds flavor and depth to many dishes. While there are many types of garlic, most can be used for general cooking purposes. Garlic can be stored in a variety of ways, such as at room temperature or in the refrigerator or freezer. For variety, you can also roast, pickle, or dehydrate it.
How long can you keep chopped garlic in the fridge?
If you’ve peeled more cloves than you need, the fridge is the best place to store them; wrap them in plastic or put them in a sealed bag or container. Keep chopped garlic in an airtight bag or small jar for up to three days, says Chavez; after that, you’ll start to see discoloration that indicates the garlic is going bad.