Garlic Storage Hacks: 6 Easy Tips To Store Garlic At Home Without Losing Its Aroma

How To Store Garlic At Home: Garlic is a kitchen staple in Indian households, adding flavour and aroma to a variety of dishes. Whether it’s for curries, pickles, or tadkas, keeping garlic fresh is essential. In this article, we’ll share simple tips to help you store garlic properly at home, so it stays fresh for weeks or even months. Whether you use it daily or occasionally, these easy methods will ensure your garlic is always ready when you need it: 

6 Easy Tips To Store Garlic At Home For Long Time 

1. Choose Fresh Garlic Bulbs

The first step to long-lasting garlic is selecting fresh bulbs. Look for garlic heads that are firm, heavy for their size, and free from soft spots, shares Entrepreneur and Cook Martha Stewart.

Avoid bulbs with green sprouts, as this indicates that the garlic is already ageing. The fresher the garlic, the longer it will stay usable at home.

2. Easy Way To Store Chopped Garlic For Weeks

Chef Anupa Das, a culinary expert who has worked with Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, shared a simple tip in a YouTube video for storing chopped garlic for a long time. First, peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them. Then, place the chopped garlic in a clean, airtight steel container and add 1–2 tablespoons of refined oil.

Store the container in the fridge, and your garlic will stay fresh and ready to use for several weeks, making meal prep quicker and easier.

3. Use Airtight Containers For Peeled Garlic

If you have already peeled or chopped garlic, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. “You can also use terra-cotta or ceramic containers specifically designed to store garlic”, according to Martha Stewart.

This prevents it from absorbing other food odours and helps maintain its flavour. You can also cover the garlic with a little olive oil before sealing the container to keep it fresh for up to a week.

4. Avoid Refrigeration For Whole Bulbs

While it may seem logical to store garlic in the fridge, whole bulbs do not last well in cold temperatures. Refrigeration can cause the bulbs to sprout prematurely. Only peeled or chopped garlic should be stored in the fridge, and it should be kept in an airtight container.

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5. Store In A Cool And Dry Place

Garlic should be kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. In India’s humid climate, moisture can cause garlic to rot quickly.

A mesh basket, a paper bag, or a loosely woven basket works well to provide airflow.

Avoid storing garlic near the stove or sink, as heat and humidity accelerate spoilage. Direct sunlight or warm areas make garlic sprout or go soft much faster.

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6. Check Garlic Regularly

Regularly inspect your garlic for any soft spots, mould, or sprouts. Remove any spoiled cloves immediately to prevent them from affecting the rest of the batch. This simple step can save your garlic from unnecessary wastage.

With these simple tips your garlic can stay fresh and ready for cooking, even weeks or months later. 

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