Garlic enhances the taste and flavor of various recipes when added to them. It is basically used for the purpose of seasoning. It is an important ingredient in various cuisines throughout the world because of its different medical and health benefits. No matter, whether you get it from your kitchen garden or buy it from a store, it’s always better to have some extra garlic stored in your kitchen in order to add that extra flavor and aroma to your favorite dish. Also, by storing it properly, you can definitely increase the life and flavor of it. Storing garlic is not a very tough task, in fact it’s quite simple. However, if you are not aware of the methods of storing garlic, follow the tips given below that can prove to be very handy.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 10 minutes
Resources Required:
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Garlic
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Air tight container
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Knife
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Cutting board
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Bag or mesh bag
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Vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Use bowl or container
- If you don’t want to store garlic for a very long time and planning to use it in the next one or two weeks then storing it in a bowl or container will be enough for storing the garlic bulbs.
- All you need to do is to store it in a cool and dry place. Also, make sure that it does not come in direct sunlight.
2. Storing it in garlic keeper
Garlic keepers are designed specifically for the purpose of storing garlic. Many bulbs can fit in one such container. They usually have several holes in them because of which air can circulate freely around the garlic bulbs. This way, the garlic bulbs and cloves are able to maintain their life without getting damaged.
3. Keeping it in the refrigerator
- However, if you are not going to use garlic in the next few weeks and looking for some other storage methods, then you can keep it in the refrigerator. This increases their life considerably.
- But, it is recommended to place them in a sealed container and then into the refrigerator.
- Many supermarkets are selling peeled garlic in their refrigerated section.
4. Freezing the garlic
- For still longer time periods, you can freeze garlic bulbs. Although, this method is not very popular, yet garlic bulbs can be stored for a very long time.
- Try using this method only when you have garlic in abundance which you are unable to use for the time being because this way only you can make sure to store it for longer period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I preserve garlic using vinegar?
Garlic bulbs can also be preserved using vinegar. The method is described below:
1. First of all, peel garlic cloves with a knife and then chop each of them.
2. Now, drop the chopped garlic in a bottle of vinegar.
3. Store this bottle in the refrigerator. You can use this garlic vinegar in salad dressings or any other dish in which both vinegar and garlic must be used.
4. Garlic vinegar can be kept refrigerated for almost 4 months.
Quick Tips:
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Garlic must be stored away from direct sunlight. So, store it in a cool and dry place.
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Dry garlic is a food dehydrator.
Things To Watch Out For:
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When the garlic cloves begin to sprout or go soft then it’s better to throw them out and get a new clove.
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Avoid storing garlic cloves and heads in your kitchen fridge. It is likely to go soft and moldy if it is refrigerated.
