Garlic is a necessary ingredient in food for its taste, flavor, and strong aroma. The good thing is that it has been in high demand over the years. Unfortunately, fresh garlic doesn’t last long unless you use the right storage methods and techniques.
If you are planning to purchase fresh garlic and want to know how long you can store it, we have added this guide. We will elaborate on the fresh garlic supplies and understand how long it can be safely stored.
How Long Does Fresh Garlic Last?
Before you understand fresh garlic, it is better to divide it into different types and components. Then understand which garlic supplies last longer. Let’s take an overview here.
Whole garlic bulb
It has a good lifespan when stored. For example, it can withstand all environmental changes and be stored on your shelves for up to 3-6 months straight.
Unpeeled individual cloves
Unpeeled individual cloves don’t have a longer shelf life because of the risk of sprouting. If you maintain the temperature, they can still last for 2-4 weeks.
Peeled garlic cloves
When you peel the garlic cloves, use them as soon as possible, as peeling removes the protective layer and can cause sprouting. In such a case, the shelf life is not more than a week.
Chopped or minced garlic
Chopped and minced garlic even has a lower life. It can survive one to two days in freezing conditions.
Frozen garlic
If you freeze fresh garlic at the beginning, it has the longest shelf life. It can last for 12 months or even more, depending on the situation.
Key Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Garlic
Do you want to extend the lifespan of your stored garlic? Understand the key factors that impact the garlic lifespan and focus on their maintenance. Let’s know the key factors.
Store Garlic in a Cool, Dry Place
Storing garlic in a proper facility ensures a longer shelf life. Here are a few storage tips regarding the correct facilities.
- Make sure you are storing dry garlic, not wet, to avoid moisture issues.
- Avoid high-temperature conditions and use cool temperatures in temperature-controlled storage areas.
- Your storage space must have the proper ventilation.
Use a Mesh Bag or Wire Basket
Mesh bags and wire baskets have proper ventilation and allow the safe storage of garlic.
They have several other benefits, such as:
- Proper ventilation is available.
- Reduce and prevent mold growth
- Improve the shelf life of garlic
- Keeps bulbs dry.
Keep Garlic Away from Direct Sunlight
High temperatures or direct sunlight cause the sprouting and early issues. Therefore, you should always keep the garlic away from direct sunlight.
Avoid exposure to high temperatures and consider the following storage tips.
- Use a pantry or cupboard for storage.
- Avoid windowsills and countertops
- Store away from ovens and other heat sources
Store Peeled Garlic in the Refrigerator
Once your garlic is peeled, its outer protective layer is no more. In that case, you should store it in the refrigerator to extend its lifespan.
- Place peeled cloves in an airtight container
- Refrigerate once you have peeled garlic.
- Use garlic within one week.
Freeze Extra Garlic for Long-Term Storage
Have you purchased the bulk supplies of garlic? Use as much of your garlic as you want. If any is left over, store it in the deep freezer for longevity and a longer shelf life.
You should freeze the garlic in different forms, such as:
- Whole cloves
- Peeled cloves
- Minced garlic
- Garlic paste
Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Fresh Garlic
Most people complain about garlic’s short shelf life, even when they use the right techniques. There can be several issues with such a condition. Here is the list of common mistakes you should avoid.
Storing Garlic in Plastic Bags
There are several issues associated with plastic bags. They don’t allow proper ventilation and may cause slight moisture buildup.
You should avoid storing in plastic bags because of several issues, such as:
- Moisture accumulation
- Mold development
- Faster rotting
- Increased sprouting
Refrigerate Whole Garlic Bulbs
Never refrigerate the whole garlic bulbs. Do you know why? It is because of several issues associated with whole-bulb refrigeration.
- Excess moisture causes the early sprouting of the bulbs.
- Bulbs may sprout once you have removed them from the refrigerator
- The texture doesn’t remain the same after storage.
- Shelf life notices a potential decrease.
Washing Garlic Before Storage
One of the critical mistakes most people make is washing the garlic. It causes water to enter the garlic, resulting in sprouting. The shelf life drops exponentially, reducing the lifespan of the garlic supplies.
You should:
- Don’t wash garlic. Store it dry.
- Avoid storing damp garlic supplies.
- Dry garlic when you wash it, and it becomes wet.
- Eliminate any bulbs with excessive moisture or exposure.
Storing Garlic Near Heat Sources
High warmth provides a favorable environment for garlic sprouting. Therefore, you should never store garlic at high temperatures or near heat sources.
For example:
- Stoves
- Ovens
- Dishwashers
- Heating vents
- Sunny windows
Store in a cool, well-ventilated space with stable temperature conditions.
Ignoring Damaged or Spoiled Cloves
Remember, a single damaged or spoiled clove can ruin all the garlic. Therefore, you should remove that bad garlic clove first.
Here are a few signs to recognize such a clove.
- Soft cloves
- Mold
- Dark spots
- Sour odors
If you find any of the signs, remove that clove and inspect it thoroughly. Then remove it from the remaining supplies.
Conclusion
Fresh Garlic has a longer lifespan than its cloves and other components. It can safely accompany you for 3-6 months if you choose the right preservation methods. For example, keep garlic away from moisture and maintain the temperature of the storage areas. Make sure the storage system has optimal temperature and cleanliness.
Are you looking for fresh garlic supplies? Contact Fenduni Garlic Suppliers to enjoy premium-grade garlic. We have large-scale garlic farming and ensure the longevity of garlic storage through the right techniques. Contact us for fresh garlic supplies right away!