Garlic is a staple kitchen food necessary for the taste of cooked foods. Production of garlic is a big deal as it requires an optimal environment. There is an even more challenging task— it is GARLIC STORAGE!
Fresh garlic rapidly catches the moisture and sprouts exponentially. Early sprouting can accelerate decay and may compromise suitability for warehouse storage.
But today, we will learn the optimal storage temperatures for garlic and how to increase its shelf life. Let’s understand the garlic storage.
Garlic as a Stored Commodity: How is it at risk after harvesting?
Garlic is a biological product even after you have harvested it and tried to store it. It starts respiring and loses moisture. Depending on environmental conditions, it may respond to the environment and face the following risks after harvesting.
- Sprouting (caused by improper temperature control)
- Fungal and bacterial decay
- Weight loss due to dehydration
- Clove softening and discoloration
- Cross-contamination from poor sanitation
Due to harsh environmental conditions, garlic has a short shelf life. It is the major issue. However, optimal storage conditions and processing facilities can make your storage dreams come true.
Normally, it has a shelf life of 2-3 months, while it can be 8-10 months or even longer if stored properly.
Garlic Shelf-Life: Pre-Harvesting Process
Before you harvest garlic, take the necessary steps to extend its normal lifespan.
Proper Harvest Timing
Proper harvest timing is fruitful for the lifespan extension. You should consider the following conditions:
- 60-70% of the leaves have dried by the time garlic is harvested.
- Bulbs develop while the skin remains intact.
Harvesting before this can cause early decay, while harvesting after this can increase the disease process in the garlic.
Curing Process
For long-term garlic storage, curing is another necessary step. Here are a few tips to consider.
- The optimal temperature is 25-30°C. At the same time, storage duration can be 10-20 days.
- Relative humidity should be 60-70%, as this process is to ensure lower humidity and longer shelf life.
- Good airflow in a shaded environment can further extend garlic shelf life.
Warehouse Management: Optimal Conditions and Temperature Situations
Warehouses are the storage locations where you can optimize the storage temperatures and provide a flawless environment. Here are a few things to consider when storing garlic for long-term storage.
Temperature Control
Temperature is a significant factor that can alter garlic’s anatomy. Extremely low or high temperatures can accelerate the decay process and shorten the overall shelf life.
Moreover, temperature conditions depend on your storage period. For example:
- If you are considering short-term storage, a storage temperature of 0–5°C is excellent.
- For long-term storage, you should consider a temperature range of −1°C to 0°C.
- To avoid sprouting, keep the temperature between 5–18°C.
Humidity Management
Humidity is also one of the factors that shorten garlic’s shelf life. It can either cause dehydration or sprouting.
The ideal relative humidity of a warehouse is around 60–70%. While below 55% can cause excessive weight loss. Above 75%, there is a risk of fungal growth, sprouting, and early rotting.
You should check the storage conditions and use tools like hygrometers. They will get you an estimate of humidity.
Ventilation and Airflow
A warehouse should have optimal temperature and airflow conditions. Proper ventilation and duct systems can help deliver the right amount of quality air. Here are a few tips.
- Continuous air circulation
- Avoid stagnant zones
- Use exhaust fans or duct systems.
- Do not stack garlic directly against walls.
How can you extend the garlic shelf life in warehouses?
Without an ideal environment, garlic’s shelf life is short. Here are a few tips to extend the shelf life.
Packaging methods
Packaging methods add value to the garlic storage. If the warehouse doesn’t offer excellent storage temperature and protection, packaging does.
However, you should prefer the right packaging with the following tips.
- Use breathable packaging. There are different options, such as mesh bags, netted sacks, or ventilated cartons.
- Avoid airtight or plastic packaging. It should never trap moisture or accelerate mold growth.
- Select food-grade and moisture-resistant materials.
Sanitation and hygiene management
Poor sanitation is a major factor behind decreased garlic shelf life. To extend shelf life, you should follow the tips below.
- Thoroughly disinfect warehouse floors, walls, pallets, and storage racks. Store garlic in hygienic conditions only.
- Remove all leftover debris. Eliminate any dust sources and ensure hygiene.
- Always follow basic hygiene protocols. Use clean gloves and hygienic tools during handling.
Routine inspection
A routine inspection is ideal if you want to catch all defects early. For example, check any external factors. Monitor garlic skin color and firmness.
Here are a few tips.
- Conduct visual inspections at least once per week. If you do more inspections, it is even better.
- Look for any signs of sprouting, mold, soft cloves, discoloration, or foul odors.
- You should remove affected bulbs to prevent cross-contamination.
Pest control and disease prevention
For pest control, use only approved pesticides within the allowed limits. Don’t go for higher or lower limits. Follow our tips:
- There should be no cracks, vents, or entry points. Block rodents and insects during storage and shipping.
- Use integrated pest management (IPM). Avoid excessive chemical fumigation.
- Install insect traps and monitor pest activity regularly.
Transportation and distribution readiness
Transportation is a major hassle because it can damage garlic during handling. First, thoroughly inspect garlic and use only high-quality, safe packaging.
- Pre-shipment inspection helps remove any weakened or sprouting bulbs.
- You should always use shock-absorbing packaging. It reduces vibration damage during transport and provides a flawless shipment.
- Don’t expose garlic to high humidity or direct sunlight.
Conclusion
For optimal garlic storage and longer shelf life, there are a few factors to focus on:
- Your garlic should be high-quality and produced under optimal conditions.
- Keep processing and dehydration under standard conditions.
- Ensure a proper warehouse storage environment and moisture resistance.
Getting high-end and fresh garlic is no longer a problem. Fenduni Garlic supplier is one of the garlic producers that offer large-scale production and easy accessibility. Quality processing and premium prices keep your business flourishing.