If you love garlic or grow it in your garden, you probably have a huge stock that you are planning to use in your future dishes to upgrade their flavor.
The best thing about garlic is its versatility. You can experiment with it in multiple ways; and surprisingly, it won’t let you down in any situation. Whether it is summer or winter, the presence of garlic in your food is simply mind-blowing.
Since it is a plant, you can’t put in in a box and continue your day thinking it will stay fresh all the time. No, if you think like that, you are in jeopardy.
You might ask a friend or family member- ‘How do you keep garlic from drying out?’ If you are still not clear about the answer, don’t worry. We have got your back.
In the following article, you will get various techniques regarding this issue. Without wasting further time, let’s dive right into it.
Proper Ways to Keep Garlic Fresh
Here are all the ways that successfully keep garlic fresh without ruining its flavor. Check them out.
Using Proper Room Temperature
The room temperature plays a key role in preventing the garlic from drying out. If you maintain a proper room temperature, your garlic will last longer.
A strategic approach you can take is putting the plants in bags made with mesh. You can get them in nearby stores or online, which won’t cost you that much.
Moreover, these bags can be used multiple times. The mesh design allows air to circulate around the garlic, which helps it to stay fresh.
When it comes to temperature, you should maintain some certain things:
- Store garlic in a temperature of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 18 degrees Celsius).
- Keep in mind that garlic stays healthy in moderate or average humidity.
- Make sure you have an environment with proper air circulation.
Inside the Refrigerator
Yes, you can store garlic in a refrigerator. Thanks to this appliance, you can have peace of mind about not having humidity issues.
One thing you should always be vigilant about is that once garlic is stored in a cold environment for some time, it will start to sprout within a couple of days being taken out. This happens because the plants are now in room temperature. It is the reason why garlic bought from store frequently sprouts.
Store it in the refrigerator once you are prepared to use it for your dishes. If you have chopped the garlic, keep it in a tiny container with a cover. Unfortunately, you will only be able to use it for a couple of weeks, because this technique is only suitable for short-term storage.
If you visit a grocery store, you will find minced versions that are always in high demand. Lots of people want to know the mystery behind their freshness. The answer is pretty simple. Before getting boxed, the garlic has been acidified so that it stays safe and usable for months.
Freezing Process
If you are not interested in using the refrigerator, freezing garlics instead can be a clever approach. There is a possibility that the frozen garlic won’t be as good as the fresh version, but you can give it a try as it is not harmful.
You can freeze garlic by peeling it first, and then putting it inside a blender or food processor. Add a small amount of water, and then mince the garlic. When it has turned into a paste, take it out & put it in ice cube trays to freeze. Another option you can go for is spreading the puree on a silicone sheet.
Once they are frozen, take a container and store the garlic cubes. Make sure the container is airtight.
Using a Food Dehydrator
Preparing dehydrated garlic is not a tough job if you know the techniques. With some patience and confidence, you can get the job done.
Take a peeled garlic and slice it. Make the slices thin, avoid bigger sizes. Put the slices into a dehydrator or a slightly warm oven. Keep the door partially open, because you have to keep the temperature at 115 degrees.
After you are done, you will notice that the slices are now crispy. Use an airtight container to store them.
You can store the dried garlic it for a couple of months in room temperature. Just make sure that the container is properly sealed, because this is the main factor that keeps the dried garlic useable.
Utilizing the Benefits of Flavored Oil
If you have dried garlic slices, you will get a chance to make garlic flavored oil.
Simply take some garlic slices and put them in a small jar. Add olive oil until it covers the slices. The slices will get softer. You can use this oil for cooking. Some people prefer to use it as a salad dressing. It upgrades the taste to a new level.
Unfortunately, you have to face some problems if you are not careful. If you use fresh garlic with olive oil, there is a possibility that botulism will develop. This is very dangerous for your health. It can even turn fatal.
Don’t worry; with precautions, you can neutralize the situation. If you make flavored oil with fresh garlic, keep it in the refrigerator. You will be able to use it for a maximum of three weeks. After that, you have to throw it out.
Roasted Version
This process is fun. It won’t take that much physical effort, either. Fortunately, roasted garlic can be safely stored in the refrigerator without any hassle.
The roasted version works well like fresh garlic. You can use it on pizzas, bread, and many other dishes.
Preserved in Vinegar
If preserved the right way, you can store garlic for a long period of time. Preserving in white vinegar can make it happen.
This clever process softens the garlic, which you can use on salads or other favorite dishes. Luckily, with proper refrigeration, you will be able to use it for 3 to 5 months with ease.
If you don’t have vinegar, use wine as an alternative. The procedure is the same. To get satisfactory results, you have to use dry white wine.
You have to look out for any kind of growth that may happen on the container’s surface. This unusual thing is either yeast or mold that forms if your refrigerator is not at its required temperature.
Conclusion
So, these are all the strategies for keeping garlic from drying out.
Share this article with your loved ones and make them benefit along with yourself.
Stay safe, and have a good day!