Garlic is a kitchen must-have, but it can go bad fast if you don’t store it right. Moldy or sprouted garlic is such a waste! My grandma taught me three super simple tricks to keep garlic fresh for months, and I’m kicking myself for not knowing these sooner.
1. Use Tea Bags to Stop Moisture
Put your garlic in a clean paper bag with a few dry tea bags (or food-safe moisture-absorbing packets). The tea soaks up extra dampness, keeping garlic dry and fresh. It’s easy to do, but works best for small amounts of garlic.
2. Hang It Up for Airflow
Braid your garlic bulbs into a bundle or tie them together, then hang them in a cool, shady spot with good airflow. Make sure it’s dry and away from sunlight. This old-school method is perfect for storing lots of garlic and looks cool in your kitchen!
3. Store with Salt to Fight Dampness
Grab a jar with a tight lid, sprinkle a layer of salt at the bottom, add your garlic, then cover it with another layer of salt. The salt pulls moisture away, stopping rot. This trick is great for keeping garlic fresh for a long time.
3 Things to Avoid When Storing Garlic
Don’t Use Plastic Bags: Plastic traps moisture, making garlic rot fast. Stick to paper bags or open containers.
Keep It Away from Sunlight: Don’t store garlic on windowsills or sunny spots. Sun makes it sprout and lose flavor.
Skip the Fridge: Cold, humid fridges make garlic sprout or get moldy, especially if peeled. Store it in a cool (60-65°F), dim, airy place instead.
Conclusion
With these easy tricks from my grandma, your garlic will stay fresh and ready to use for months. Try them out and say goodbye to wasted garlic!
