Garlic is something that many people like to utilize in various dishes. You might be one of the many people who use garlic regularly, and this means that you need to store it in your kitchen.
The only issue with garlic is that it can be kind of smelly if you aren’t storing it right. Garlic has a powerful odor that might wind up bothering you if you leave it out.
Since it’s possible to store garlic for months when you’re storing it right, you’re going to want to learn how to store it without having to worry about the smell. Thankfully, there are many options that you can consider.
Read on to learn how you can store garlic without having to worry about the smell. This will make it so that you can store your garlic without having to be concerned about the stench overpowering you every single time you step into the kitchen.
Store it in an Airtight Container
If you want to store garlic without having to worry about the smell, then the best thing to do is to use an airtight container. You should have some type of storage container that has a lid that you can utilize.
Many people use plastic or glass storage containers to protect leftovers in the fridge. You can use these types of storage containers to keep your garlic fresh while also locking the scent away.
You should be able to place garlic in a cupboard somewhere so long as it is placed inside of an airtight container. It might not be as wise to store garlic in a cupboard without an airtight container since the smell could wind up seeping into other things in the cupboard.
If you’re keeping a normal amount of garlic in your kitchen, then you shouldn’t need anything more than a small storage container. Most people will only store up to four or so cloves of garlic at once, and it won’t be hard to find a spot for such a small container.
Something Like a Terracotta Pot Would Be Fine as Well
Those who don’t wish to utilize airtight storage containers can still get good results by using terracotta pots. If you have a terracotta pot or some type of similar pot, then you can place your garlic inside to keep it safe.
The pot should be able to contain any scent that is coming off of the garlic. You won’t have any problems fitting your garlic inside of most standard pots that people utilize in kitchens.
You might need to clean the pot thoroughly after you’re done storing garlic inside it to eliminate the smell, though. For example, if you don’t clean the pot really well after using it to store garlic, then that garlic scent might remain and could seep into whatever new thing you’re trying to store in it next.
Of course, you could always just designate a terracotta pot as something that you’re using to store garlic. This prevents you from having any issues moving forward.
It’ll still be best to clean the terracotta pot from time to time to keep it from getting too stinky. You should be able to use standard soap and water to get the job done.
Keep the Garlic Heads Whole
Keeping the garlic heads whole is actually going to be better than slicing them up and storing them. This is because the garlic is going to smell more once you cut into it, and you’ll have an easier time containing the scent of a head of garlic.
It’s also worth noting that garlic can be stored for longer periods of time when it is kept whole. If you’re not going to be using garlic for a little while, then you should try to keep it whole for as long as you can so that it will stay good.
The lifespan of the garlic is going to go down dramatically once you cut it up to take out the cloves. A head of garlic has the potential to be stored for months without having any issues.
If you do decide to cut into the garlic head and take the cloves out, then you should expect to be able to store it for up to 10 days. Sometimes garlic will only stay good for as little as three days depending on the environment that you store it in.
Avoid Moisture and Light
If you want to have the best experience storing garlic, then you’ll need to avoid moisture and light. Both light and moisture exposure will cause the garlic to go bad faster than usual.
This is one of the best reasons why it’s recommended to store garlic in an airtight container. If you’re able to place it in a container like that, then it’ll be safe from both moisture and light.
Consider putting your garlic in a dark place such as a cupboard or a pantry shelf. You should be able to keep the garlic there for long periods of time without having any issues so long as there aren’t any unusual temperature issues.
Don’t Put Garlic Heads in the Refrigerator
Putting garlic heads in the refrigerator will be a bad idea if you want to store them for longer periods of time. A refrigerator will actually speed up the process of decay, and this will make it so you’ll need to use the garlic faster.
If you put garlic heads in the refrigerator, then the garlic will begin sprouting in just a few days in most instances. Sprouting garlic can still be eaten without making you sick, but it’s not going to taste right.
You’ll find that sprouting garlic tastes very bitter when compared to normal garlic. If you want the best experience, then garlic shouldn’t be stored in the refrigerator.
Peeled Garlic Can Go in the Fridge
Peeled garlic can go in the refrigerator because it won’t really matter any longer. You’ll just want to make sure that it’s in an airtight container so the smell doesn’t permeate throughout the fridge.
When the garlic has been peeled and cut, you’re going to want to use it as soon as you can. Ideally, you should use the remaining garlic up within a day or two or it will go bad.
It will only take a few days for the garlic to sprout, and the loss of taste is going to be quite apparent. If you aren’t able to use up the garlic in a timely fashion, then it’s likely better to just throw it out.
Enjoy Your Garlic
Enjoy your garlic and be sure to store it the right way to get the most out of the experience. The smell of garlic might be quite powerful, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be a nuisance.
So long as you’re storing garlic wisely, it’s not going to stink up your whole kitchen. Utilizing airtight containers is the right way to go, but you can use things such as terracotta pots just fine, too.
Once you’ve gotten used to storing garlic the right way, it’ll be easy to just keep on doing it. You need to avoid moisture and light so that garlic will stay good for as long as possible.
The next time you need some garlic for making dinner, you won’t have to worry. You’ll know how long garlic can be stored, and you’ll be ready to have a fantastic dinner.
I have two Associate’s degrees, one in Medical Assisting and the other in Computer Technician, and I am roughly five classes from a bachelor’s degree. Though I never ended up working in the medical field, I have five and a half years of experience in IT. I recently became a stay-at-home mom to my two young boys, and I’m so excited to start this adventure with them! In my spare time, I love to bake and read pretty much anything I can get my hands on.