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How to Store Garlic

Did you know that the refrigerator is not the best place to store garlic? In order to prolong the shelf life of your garlic follow these tips.

Home Grown Garlic

If you are storing garlic that you have harvested from the garden, you will need to cure the cloves prior to storage.  Arrange your garlic bulbs in a single row on a wire rack allowing for plenty of air circulation between the bulbs.  Set in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight and allow to dry for about two weeks.  The bulbs are ready for storage once the skins become papery like those that you would purchase at your local supermarket.

Optimal Garlic Storage Conditions

Garlic will maintain its health and flavor the longest stored at temperatures just above freezing with a humidity hovering around 65%.  Temperatures above 40°F will encourage sprouting.  Commercially, garlic is stored at 32°F.  Because most home refrigerators are set higher to prevent food from freezing, the refrigerator is not the optimal place to store your garlic bulbs.  If the storage conditions are optimal, you can enjoy your garlic harvest for 6-7 months.

Home Storage Conditions

Your garlic will last the longest if stored in a cool, dark, dry place.  Store them in mesh bags or similar storage containers that are well ventilated.  Under these conditions, the storage life of garlic will likely be 3 -5 months.