Storing Garlic from the Garden: A Comprehensive Guide

As summer comes to a close, gardeners get the joy of harvesting the fruits of their labor. And one crop that’s essential to store properly is garlic. Preserving garlic ensures that you can enjoy its tangy flavor throughout the winter months.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to cure and store garlic from the garden, covering everything from curing and cleaning to various storage options and even seed saving. Let’s dive in!

How to Cure and Store Homegrown Garlic

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Curing freshly harvested garlic bulbs is an essential step in preparing them for long-term storage. Curing not only removes excess moisture but also enhances the flavors of the bulbs, making them more palatable.

To cure your garlic bulbs, follow these steps:

Layer plants on a tray or screen, keeping the leaves, roots, and stalks intact.
Place the tray in a dry, warm location with good air circulation.
Turn the bulbs daily for three to six weeks until the leaves turn completely brown and the stems are no longer pliant.

Once the bulbs are cured, it’s time to clean and prep them for storage. Trim the roots and remove any remaining soil and loose tunic material. Save the best-looking bulbs for long-term storage and set aside any damaged ones for immediate use.

Best Storage Conditions for Garlic

Proper storage conditions are crucial for preserving garlic. Here’s how to store garlic effectively:

Keep garlic in a location between 55 and 60°F with good air circulation.
Avoid storing garlic in the refrigerator as it can cause mold or sprouting.
Use open baskets, boxes, or bags for storage.
Discard any damaged bulbs to prevent spoilage.

Proper storage ensures that your garlic stays fresh for an extended period, ready to be used in various culinary dishes.

Dehydrating for Powder and Salts

Dehydrating garlic is an excellent way to extend its shelf life and enhance its flavor. Here’s how you can dehydrate garlic for powder and salts:

Peel cloves and cut them in half lengthwise.
Dry the cloves at 140°F for two hours, then reduce the temperature to 130°F until completely dry.
Once dry, cool the cloves on wire racks before packaging them in airtight containers.

Dehydrated garlic can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a rich and flavorful punch to your recipes.

Time-Saving Tip: Use a Food Dehydrator

Investing in a food dehydrator can be a convenient way to preserve bumper crops of garlic. Check out the best food dehydrators on the market for efficient preservation.

Freezing Garlic

Freezing garlic is another viable storage option, preserving its flavor and aroma for future use. Here are three ways to freeze garlic efficiently:

Mince cloves and freeze them in a log shape for easy portioning.
Freeze whole bulbs with their paper tunics intact for convenient storage.
Blend cloves with olive oil and freeze them in ice cube trays for easy individual portions.

Freezing garlic allows you to enjoy its flavors in various dishes for up to 12 months.

Making Flavored Oils

While storing garlic in oil can add flavor to your dishes, it’s crucial to follow safety precautions. Garlic-infused oils can be frozen safely for a few months but should be refrigerated for no more than four days. Avoid leaving garlic in oil at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Bundling or Braiding and Hanging

Hanging garlic bulbs provides excellent air circulation, keeping them dry and dormant for extended storage. Hardneck bulbs can be tied into bundles, while softnecks are typically braided for hanging. Follow these steps for braiding softneck garlic:

Tie three bulbs together with twine.
Cross the stems in a regular braiding pattern, adding bulbs as you go.
Braid the remaining stems to the end and tie off the loose tips.

Hanging braided garlic in a cool, dry place ensures proper air circulation for long-term storage.

Pickling in Brine, Vinegar, or Wine

Pickling garlic is another flavorful option for preserving it. Use high-acid pickling recipes to prevent bacterial growth and ensure safe consumption. Refrigerator pickles with wine or vinegar can last for up to four months when stored properly.

Avoid canning garlic as it requires a pressure canner and may compromise the flavor of the cloves.

Saving for Seed Stock

Saving garlic bulbs for seed stock allows you to propagate your favorite varieties season after season. Choose healthy, mature bulbs and store them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to plant them.

Ensuring a Dependable Shelf Life

Properly storing and preserving garlic ensures that you can enjoy its flavors year-round. Whether you choose to freeze, dehydrate, pickle, or braid your garlic, following these steps will help maintain its quality and flavor.

Share your favorite garlic storage tips in the comments section below and explore more guides on growing and using garlic to enhance your culinary experience.

Photos by Lorna Kring