Introduction:

In this guide, we'll explore techniques for keeping garlic fresh so that you never run out of its distinct, savory flavor. Fresh garlic has a robust, pungent taste that's indispensable in numerous dishes. As garlic spoils, it starts to sprout and turns bitter, making proper storage essential. Whether you love enhancing recipes with garlic or using it in marinades, a rotten clove just won't do.

How to Keep Garlic Fresh for Longer:

To start, choose your garlic cloves wisely. Opt for full heads of garlic with firm cloves and tightly closed skins. Avoid soft garlic and watch out for sprouts (bright green shoots growing out of the top of each garlic clove).

Garlic with a purple tint is fine; it's merely a different variety. Hardneck garlic, also known as purple garlic, has a woody stalk running through the center of its head. This stem is absent in softneck garlic, sometimes called all-white garlic.

Regardless of the garlic variety you choose, here's how to store it to maximize its shelf life:

1. Store fresh garlic in a cool, dry place like the PogaBox Storage Bin.

Keep whole garlic cloves in a cool, dry area (such as a mesh bag or loosely woven basket). Store it out of direct sunlight in your pantry or in a basket on your counter.

2. Keep peeled garlic in your refrigerator.

While we don't recommend storing whole heads of garlic in the fridge as it can promote sprouting, whole peeled cloves, slices, and minced garlic are all excellent options. For instance, if you sliced a lot of garlic for a meal and have leftovers, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Use it within two to three days.

3. Freeze an abundance of garlic.

Have many heads? Here's a quick and tasty recipe to use them up: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Trim 1 inch off the top of each garlic head and discard. Place each garlic head on a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Wrap tightly and place in a baking dish. Roast for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and tender. Allow the garlic to cool slightly before pressing it into ice cube trays, covering, and freezing.

Alternatively, place fresh garlic cloves in ice trays, coarsely chop, grate, or crush, then cover with oil and freeze. A quick food safety note: The CDC recommends freezing this mixture immediately to prevent foodborne illness. Avoid storing or keeping it at room temperature.

4. Dry out the garlic.

Drying fresh, firm garlic cloves that aren't bruised results in flavorful garlic "chips" that can be added to everything from rice to chicken recipes. To prepare, peel the cloves and slice them in half lengthwise. Then, follow the dehydrator's instructions. In an oven, dry garlic at 140°F for the first two hours, then at 130°F for the next four to six hours or until the garlic is crisp. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Conclusion:

Having garlic on hand is crucial for any home cook, as it's a component of so many dishes. Peeled or sliced garlic cloves can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Roasted garlic or fresh garlic in oil can be frozen. Whole heads of garlic can be kept at room temperature in a dry, dark area. With the numerous ways to store (and enjoy!) fresh garlic, you'll never run out.