There are many types of garlic, but their storage is similar, so don’t worry about it. The important thing is that the garlic is of good quality and is not old. We teach you how to identify good garlic and how to preserve it so that it lasts longer.
Garlic is essential in the kitchen . Their great versatility and the punch of flavor they add to meat, vegetables, rice, etc. are captivating. Garlic is also easy to grow , as we tell you in another article.
But if you like them a lot, you surely know that storing garlic can be a challenge. Not everyone is clear about the best way to do it. In fact, there are many different methods of storing garlic, but some work better than others.
Garlic can be kept in bulbs or whole heads, in cloves or peeled. Let’s see some tricks to make them last longer without drying out.
Tips for choosing a good garlic
There are some aspects that you can look at to assess the quality of the bulbs , what we know as the head of garlic , whether you have grown them yourself or purchased them. Choose good garlic and you will ensure that it lasts longer and is better preserved.
- The bulb or head of garlic should be firm to the touch and not yield to gentle pressure.
- It should be tight , with smooth, dry skin and no signs of mold (black powder).
- Do not worry if you see a few purple streaks , they are natural and indicate the presence of anthocyanins, an excellent antioxidant.
- If the bulb is soft , it is most likely overripe and will not last long in good condition.
- If the garlic has sprouted , it is a clear sign that it is old.
- Avoid buying chilled garlic .
How to preserve garlic to last
Follow the tips below to store garlic well and last longer without drying out or sprouting . We leave you these tried and tested tricks with which the garlic will preserve its flavor for longer.
Garlic can be preserved in different ways. Follow either method, depending on your needs.
How to preserve whole heads of garlic
The best thing to maintain the quality of the garlic is to store the whole bulb in a cool, dark and well-ventilated cabinet (this is something that we do not usually take into account). Garlic will last longer when stored at a temperature between 15.5 and 18 degrees. In this way, the garlic should be kept for a few months.
How to preserve loose garlic cloves without peeling
It may be that they have fallen out of the bulb or that you have left over. If for whatever reason you have loose garlic cloves, but with their skin. Store them together with the heads of garlic in a cool, dark, well-ventilated cupboard, but beware: they must be consumed within ten days.
How to preserve peeled garlic
Peeled garlic cloves are a great way to get work done in the kitchen. Peel them and put them in an airtight container or plastic bag, close it well and store it in the fridge. They must be consumed within 5 to 7 days.
How to make and preserve garlic paste
Garlic paste is a very useful preparation that can be kept on hand for many meals. You just have to peel the head of garlic and cut the ends of the stem. Put the garlic in a blender with a tablespoon of olive oil and beat until it has the right consistency. To preserve garlic paste, place it in an airtight container and store in the fridge to use within a week.
How to freeze garlic
The method for freezing garlic correctly varies depending on whether it is whole or peeled . Frozen garlic should last indefinitely.
1. Whole heads and loose unpeeled cloves:
place the garlic in a freezer-safe plastic bag, squeeze out the air, seal tightly, date, and freeze.
2. Bare teeth:
place the garlic cloves spread out on a flat surface like a small baking tray, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for one hour. Wrap frozen cloves in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe plastic bag, close tightly, label, date, and freeze.
3. Garlic paste:
Fill a silicone ice cube mold with the garlic paste and freeze until firm (about an hour). Transfer the garlic paste cubes to a freezer bag and seal well. The paste should be consumed within the next six months.
