Garlic is an essential ingredient in cooking. It is versatile and provides a lot of flavor when you add it to your sauces, meats, vegetables, etc. Garlic can be stored in bulbs or whole heads, in cloves or peeled. However, it is important to store it in a place where it cannot germinate or become bitter.

Discover some tricks so that all the flavor and freshness of garlic lasts as long as possible without drying out.

How do you store garlic so that it stays fresh as long as possible?

Garlic is often thought of as an herb, but it is actually a bulb with a strong flavor. It is used in a wide variety of forms and preparations, sometimes for medicinal applications. Fresh garlic is common in stores and gardens. Whether you buy it or grow it, you can make it last longer by storing it properly.

Garlic adds a unique aroma and flavor to many dishes. It is very important to store it well so that it does not lose its properties and does not deteriorate too quickly. Here are some helpful tips to make your garlic last longer.

How to store fresh garlic?

Keep garlic in the refrigerator – Source: spm

Never put fresh garlic in the refrigerator for too long, it will start to sprout. You can still eat it, but it will become bitter and less tasty.

Fresh garlic is best kept in dry, dark places. Do not put garlic in a drawer, put it in a ventilated place. Make sure you don’t put it in   aluminum foil  , paper bags will be much better.

How to store peeled garlic?

If you like to peel garlic and store it that way, remember one rule: airtight packaging is essential. Store peeled garlic in the refrigerator for up to a week.

A good trick is to marinate garlic in olive oil. This method will produce flavored oil, which you can also use later for   frying  .

How to freeze garlic?

Freezing garlic in ice cube molds – Source: spm

In order for garlic cloves to retain all their benefits and properties, care must be taken to   preserve them  properly. Freezing them is a smart way to do so so as not to lose any of their benefits.

It is also good to freeze excess garlic. Peel and separate all the garlic cloves, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, then freeze overnight.

You can also freeze the chopped garlic cloves. For easier use later, place them in ice cube trays.

Tips for choosing fresh and tasty garlic

Choose good quality garlic (preferably organic) and to ensure its preservation, here are our tips:

• The bulb or head of garlic should be firm to the touch and not yield to light pressure.
• It should be firm, with smooth, dry skin and no signs of mold (black spots).
• If the bulb is soft, it is probably overripe and will not last long.
• If the garlic has sprouted, it is a clear sign that it has expired.
• Avoid buying frozen garlic at the supermarket.

So take the time to choose the right garlic when you buy it and follow these tips to keep it fresh and tasty for as long as possible.