You know what, the easiest to handle veggie in the whole vegetable fraternity is Garlic. And in India, we call it an elixir. It has so much of health benefits that one can ever complete counting. If you are wondering how to store garlic to extend its shelf life, let me tell you, you may do this in four ways. Let’s see what are these:
How to store garlic bulb:
Well, when it is in its whole body, it is most likely to last longer. Anyhow, a whole garlic bulb can last approximately for 6 months with a very low maintenance. Just store them in a dry, cool and well ventilated place.
Do not refrigerate them as they will change their texture and so is their flavor.
Use a mesh bag to stack them up. It will provide your garlic ample air to breathe. In traditional Indian kitchen you are most likely to find garlics are threaded into garland. This is because of keeping them in airy condition.
How to store garlic cloves:
The shelf life of your garlic decreases as soon as you peel them off. But that’s okay. Peeling garlic takes time. So better you peel them in your free time so that you may utilize whenever you need.
Preserve garlic in oil. Yeah, oil is a natural preservative. Take a small glass jar. Why glass? Because, glass is the best no-reactor to any other ingredient. Now, place the peeled garlic cloves into it. Submerge them in oil. Tightly lid the jar. And refrigerate. Simple.
Preserve garlic in vinegar. That’s another alternative. Take peeled garlic and vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar, which ever you prefer). Store them together in a glass jar. Why glass? You know the reason. Tightly lid it. And refrigerate.
Preserve garlic in water. You heard me right. Just take boiling water. Bring it back to normal temperature. Store your garlic into it in an airtight container. Keep changing water within a small gap of days. This procedure is not for longer period of time. But, if someday you accidentally peel off some more garlic than you require, you may opt for this process. But, try to use them as soon as possible.
Avoid storing peeled garlic dry. These will dry up soon and lose its flavor.
How to store garlic mince:
Freezing. Yes. That’s the best method to store garlic when it is minced.
Spread the minced garlic on a parchment-lined baking sheet or ice cube trays.
Let them freeze and turn solid.
Transfer them into a freezer safe container for prolonged storage in the freezer.
How to store roasted garlic:
The best way to store roasted garlic is to store them in olive oil. Take a small glass jar. Put your garlic into it. Submerge them in olive oil. Lid it tightly. And refrigerate.
Another way to store roasted garlic is freezing. Spread the roasted garlic on a parchment-lined baking sheet or ice cube trays (same like minced garlic). Let them freeze until they turn solid. Transfer them into a freezer safe container for prolonged storage in the freezer.
Extra tip you need to know when you store garlic:
Always use clean and dry spoon to dig garlic out from natural preservatives like oil or vinegar. It will prevent them from contamination.
You may use garlic keeper to store garlic when you are no opting for airtight container. These are specially made to keep garlic fresh. These have holes which maintains adequate ventilation around garlic to keep it fresh for a longer period of time.
You may read other Kitchen Hacks here.