TOP 15 ways to properly store garlic at home
Garlic cloves have a characteristic taste and medicinal properties. To ensure that the product does not lose its quality over an extended period, it is important to create a favorable environment. Having figured out how to properly store garlic, you can always have a fresh crop on hand.
We clean up on time
Timeliness of harvest affects shelf life. The harvest period depends on the type of garlic. A spring species that does not grow can be harvested after the foliage has yellowed and lodged. Typically this period occurs in the last 2 weeks of summer.
Young winter garlic is harvested at the end of July. A sufficient degree of maturation can be determined by the following external signs:
- the skin of the inflorescences cracks;
- the lower row of leaves turns yellow;
- the scales of the bulbs are dry.
Harvesting is recommended in dry, hot weather.Violation of cleaning rules may result in deterioration of quality and presentation.
Preparing the bulb for storage
Proper preparation of the harvested crop for storage will prolong shelf life. The preparation process involves pruning the garlic heads, drying them, and sorting them into varieties.
Stem and roots - to leave or not?
Sharp garden shears are used to cut the garlic. Roots about 3 mm long are left on each head. Then the stems are pruned, leaving no more than 10 cm. Proper pruning promotes preservation throughout the winter period. Additionally, crop pruning has a number of additional benefits, including the following:
- convenient storage in a compact form;
- cut specimens do not soften or deteriorate;
- cut winter garlic retains its characteristics for 3-4 months after harvesting, and spring garlic - until the new crop ripens.
We dry properly
After removing the garlic from the ground, it is necessary to shake off the ground and lay it out to dry on the surface of the beds. The process will take about 4-5 days. In case of rain or wet weather, it is recommended to harvest the crop in a well-ventilated area. It is necessary to dry the heads together with the leaves.
Separate varieties
Since different types of garlic differ in their storage time, winter and summer varieties should be kept separate from each other. Spring varieties of garlic have better keeping quality, and winter crops are less suitable for long-term storage in winter. The latter present risks of drying out in the event of insufficient humidity, mold and rot.This is explained by the smaller number of protective scales compared to spring varieties.
It is recommended to plant the main part of winter varieties in autumn to ripen an early crop in the following season.
Sorting
All the harvested crop must be carefully examined for further sorting. Damaged, deformed and cracked heads are not suitable for long term storage. If rotten and deformed specimens are left next to the rest of the harvest, the likelihood of deterioration in taste and the spread of rot increases.
Where and in which container is it best to store garlic?
You can store fresh garlic in cool, dry rooms, on a loggia or in the refrigerator. In a private house, the most suitable place is the subfloor. In boxes, stockings and braids, the harvest is stored in any dry place, and the loggia is suitable for supplies in wooden boxes or glass jars.
Optimal conditions for the long-term setting of garlic
When storing at home, it is important to create a favorable microclimate. Environmental conditions directly affect the maximum shelf life of the harvested crop, its taste characteristics and its presentation.
Humidity
A suitable humidity indicator varies greatly - from 50 to 80%. Higher humidity can cause crops to rot, while lower humidity can dry out cloves.
Temperature
Garlic is considered unpretentious at room temperature, so it can be stored both hot and cold. However, there are small restrictions:
- Leaving the culture in a warm place, it is recommended to ensure that the temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees. Spring varieties are best kept at this temperature.
- When it is cold, the optimum temperature is 2-4 degrees. This regime is favorable to winter species.
It is also important to avoid sudden changes in temperature. Changing conditions negatively affect taste.
Aeration
The room in which supplies for the winter are left should be periodically ventilated. The fresh air supply prevents the growth of mold and harmful microorganisms. It is also recommended to make small openings in storage containers for constant air circulation.
Light
Semi-dark places are ideal for storing crops. It is necessary to limit direct sunlight on fruits so that they remain fresh and rich in taste for a long time.
How to store garlic for the winter
Harvested garlic can rest until spring when stored in various ways. Depending on your own preferences and abilities, you can choose the one that suits you best.
In a cellar or basement
The temperature, humidity and lighting conditions in basements and cellars are ideal for the onion family. There are several options for storing crops underground.
In a nylon stocking
By hanging the stockings on the wall, you can save space and fit a large number of heads inside thanks to the stretchability of the material. Shallow gaps between the nylon weave facilitate the passage of air, which has a positive effect on storage life.
In braided mats
To store the buds out of the container, you can braid them into braids. For this purpose, the rods are woven with a rope or twine and a braid of any length is formed.The resulting braided braids can also be used as a decorative element in the interior.
in the sawdust
When placing the crop in various containers, it is recommended to pour dried sawdust at the bottom. Then, having laid a layer of garlic, it is also necessary to sprinkle it with sawdust, repeating the procedure after each layer.
Many gardeners are faced with the question - is it possible to replace sawdust with another material. It is allowed to use salt as an alternative, but its consumption will be very high.
In a basket, box or drawer
Whole, uncleaned heads are often placed in boxes, crates, and baskets of all sizes, then sprinkled with sawdust, salt, or flour for extra protection. It is recommended to use plywood and wooden containers with openings for air circulation.
in bags
Linen bags made from organic materials are great for storing crops. To extend shelf life and reduce the risk of mold, you can soak the buds or the pouch itself in a highly concentrated saline solution. After processing, the bag should be thoroughly dried and unbound.
In the flat
The conditions of a city apartment are conducive to the preservation of winter supplies. At home, you can pack garlic in various containers using additional methods to protect the heads.
In the banks
Both unpeeled and peeled cloves can be packed in glass containers. Then it is recommended to put the pot in a cool place. Depending on the internal composition, the jars are left open or covered with polyethylene.
With salt
Sprinkling with salt prolongs shelf life and prevents mold growth. By placing the buds in the jars with salt, the remaining voids are filled. At the bottom and top there should be a layer of salt of about 2-3 cm.
In paraffin
The paraffin layer prevents evaporation of moisture and provides protection against harmful microorganisms. It is enough to melt paraffin candles in a water bath and dip the buds into the melted substance. After evacuation of excess paraffin, a protective film forms on the surface.
In the flour
A layer of flour in the storage container absorbs excess moisture. It is enough to pour flour into the bottom of the container and additionally roll each head in it. The harvest is also sprinkled on top with a protective layer, and the lid is tightly closed.
On the loggia
You can leave any containers with garlic on the balcony or loggia, but first you need to create suitable environmental conditions. The loggia should be glazed and insulated to protect against extreme temperature drops. If during storage it is necessary to leave the windows open to the loggia, you need to control the entry of precipitation.
In the fridge
Damp conditions in the boxes and on the shelves of the refrigerator are not suitable for long-term storage of garlic, so you must first prepare the harvest. To prevent cloves from spoiling, place them in jars or bags. With the help of cans, it is necessary to fill the husk, salt or flour and tightly close the lid.
Store minced garlic
Peeled and crushed cloves can be used as a seasoning for various dishes.To prepare cloves for storage, they are cleaned of integumentary scales, twisted in a meat grinder or finely chopped with a knife, sprinkled with salt in a 1: 1 ratio and placed in sterilized jars.
Subject to sealing, the shelf life reaches 2-3 months.
In the oil fill
For the preparation of pickled garlic, marinades with the addition of oil are often used. Cloves in oil filling are stored for a long time and acquire a spicy taste. The cooking process includes the following steps:
- The heads are washed and cleaned of scales, previously doused with boiling water. The washed crop is examined to sort out spoiled or rotten specimens.
- Cloves are folded into sterilized jars, spices are added and vegetable oil is poured.
- The containers are covered with lids, placed in a saucepan with water and boiled for 8-10 minutes.
- The boxes are carefully removed and sealed. Shake the jars for several days to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Frozen
Exposure to extreme cold has a positive effect on the shelf life of the crop. There are several storage options in the freezer:
- peel the cloves, wrap them in foil, plastic wrap or special bags for freezing;
- chop the peeled cloves and place them in a container for freezing ice.
When freezing, it is recommended to pack garlic in several containers. This will allow you to use the harvest as needed and not thaw the entire volume.