As an essential ingredient in cooking, garlic is versatile and provides a lot of flavor when you add it to your sauces, meats, vegetables, etc. Garlic can be stored in bulbs or whole heads, in cloves or peeled.
However, you should store it in a place where it cannot germinate or become bitter.
Discover some tricks so that all the flavor and freshness of garlic lasts as long as possible without drying out.
It is thought that garlic is an herb, but in fact it is a bulb with a strong flavor. It is used in a wide variety of forms and preparations, sometimes for medicinal applications. Fresh garlic is common in stores and gardens. Whether you buy it or grow it, you can make it last longer by storing it properly.
Garlic adds a unique aroma and flavor to many dishes. It is very important to store it well so that it does not lose its properties and does not deteriorate too quickly. Here are some helpful tips to make your garlic last longer.
Never put fresh garlic in the refrigerator for too long, it will start to sprout. You can still eat it, but it will become bitter and less tasty.
Fresh garlic is best kept in dry, dark places. Do not put garlic in a drawer, put it in a ventilated place. Make sure you don’t put it in aluminum foil , paper bags will be much better.
If you like to peel garlic and store it that way, remember one rule: airtight packaging is essential. Store peeled garlic in the refrigerator for up to a week.
A good trick is to marinate garlic in olive oil. This method will produce flavored oil, which you can also use later for frying .
In order for the garlic clove to retain all its benefits and properties, care must be taken to preserve it well. Freezing it is a smart way to do it so you don’t lose any of its benefits.
It is also good to freeze excess garlic. Peel and separate all the garlic cloves, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, then freeze overnight.
You can also freeze minced garlic cloves. For ease of use later, make it in ice cube molds.
Tips for choosing fresh and tasty garlic
Choose good quality garlic (preferably organic) and to ensure its conservation, these are our tips:
The bulb or head of garlic should be firm to the touch and not yield to light pressure.
It should be firm, with smooth, dry skin and no signs of mold (black spots).
If the bulb is soft, it is probably overripe and will not last long.
If the garlic has sprouted, it is a clear sign that it has expired.
Avoid buying frozen garlic at the supermarket.
So take the time to choose the right garlic when you buy it and follow these tips to keep it fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
