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Keeping Garlic Fresh

We offer three options for keeping garlic fresher longer.

We offer three options for keeping garlic fresher longer.

As garlic ages, the cloves sprout green shoots. These sprouts contain more of the bitter compounds found in garlic and must be removed and discarded before the garlic can be used. The best storage method, then, is one that staves off sprouting. To find out which method is best, we placed garlic heads in bowls, baskets, and paper bags in a dark cabinet, on the counter, and even in the refrigerator and freezer. We also purchased a "garlic keeper," a lidded ceramic vessel with holes that allow for airflow. The flavor of the frozen and refrigerated garlic deteriorated after only one week, though it showed no signs of sprouting. On the counter and in the cabinet, the garlic didn't sprout as long as two conditions were met: The garlic had to be stored away from light and allowed some airflow. So we can recommend three options: storing garlic in a paper bag or garlic keeper on the counter or placing it in a basket in a cabinet.

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