Garlic is one of the most popular ingredients in the world, and most of us use it almost every time we cook. Fresh garlic should be firm and have a strong but not overpowering smell.
How long can garlic be kept?
The shelf life of garlic depends largely on how you store it. The less often you break your garlic, the longer it will last.
- If stored correctly away from heat and moisture, whole garlic bulbs will keep for 3 to 6 months. Keep the paper layers on the bulbs intact; they help prevent moisture.
- Unpeeled garlic cloves will keep for about 3 weeks.
- Peeled garlic cloves should be refrigerated and will keep for about a week.
- Chopped garlic can be kept refrigerated for no more than a day.
still available
Dried, old garlic is safe to eat but may have a less flavorful or stronger flavor .
As garlic ages, it may begin to sprout. Although sprouting can affect the flavor of garlic, it is still safe to eat. The green part itself can be bitter, so it is recommended to remove it with the tip of a knife. If there are many sprouts, it is recommended to discard the entire bulb, as it no longer tastes good.
If the garlic has a strong pungent or ammonia-like odor, it is past its prime and should not be eaten. It won't taste great and it may get moldy.
Fresh garlic is white or off-white. As garlic ages, it turns yellow.
need to throw away
Bitter. Rotten or moldy garlic should not be eaten.
Garlic that is old or stored in a humid environment may develop white, dark brown, or black mold. Mold may be fuzzy or appear wet. It is usually located on the outer shell of the bulb, but may also spread to the cloves. If the garlic becomes moldy, it should be discarded.
Rotten garlic may have mushy spots. Pasty spots may appear light brown or black. If most of the cloves have soft spots, the bulbs should be discarded. If the soft spot is small, it can be cut off.
How to store garlic
Garlic is best stored in a dry, dark place at room temperature. It likes ventilation, so don't wrap it or store it in a container.
Garlic can be stored in a pantry or cupboard basket. It’s best to keep cabinets away from appliances that release heat or moisture, such as ovens or dishwashers.
Peeled whole cloves and minced garlic should always be refrigerated. Make sure to seal them in an airtight container to avoid their unique smell from penetrating other foods in the refrigerator.
Do not store garlic in the refrigerator unless it has been peeled or minced.
