How to cure and store garlic

You can enjoy garlic for months after you harvest it. But how?

The answer is curing them!

The secret lies in the garlic’s different varieties and how well they are cured and stored.

And since you have been waiting patiently for seven to nine months to grow them, I am sure that you want to enjoy your harvest!

And curing your garlic will do exactly this.

Keep reading this article to learn how to cure and store garlic for long. correctly, so you can enjoy its flavor for a long time!

Does garlic have to be cured?

It is edible right out of the ground; therefore, it does not need to be cured for immediate use. But if you want it to stay fresh in the pantry for a good while, then you have to take it through the process of curing—essentially just letting it dry.

How to Cure Garlic

Curing is a crucial step for successful garlic storage and ensuring optimal flavour. Finding the ideal conditions for curing can also be challenging. This is a two-week process in warm and dry climates; however, in rainy or humid weather, it may extend to two months. During this period, the garlic’s flavour will continue to mellow and improve, preparing it for storage.

Garlic stops growing when the soil temperature reaches 90°F. So, If you are experiencing a hot, early summer, your garlic may mature more quickly, but the bulbs having smaller size. but also keep in mind that Larger bulbs with bigger cloves generally require more time to cure.

After harvesting the garlic, you must put them out one by one on an elevated surface, such as large table or shelving Rack, where it can acquire filtered or indirect light. This could be under a tree, on a covered porch, or in a well-ventilated area. There is no need to clean dirt now -you’ll tidy them up when you trim them.

If you don’t have a table to spare, you can make it yourself by using 1×6 planks (or fence boards) laid across two sawhorses. But if you want to do something a bit more permanent, you can build a large frame out of size (1×3 lumber), stretch and staple hardware cloth or chicken wire across it, and then set it up on sawhorses or cinder blocks.

How to Know When Garlic Is Fully Cured

Once garlic is fully cured, you will observe several key changes. The necks of the bulbs will become firm and dry. The outer layer of skin will turn into a browner shade than when freshly dug. The papery covering on the bulbs toughens up. It is crucial time to handle them gently to prevent bruising. Do not forget to trim off the leaves and ends of the roots.

How I Prefer to Cure Garlic

We prefer a patio table for the curing process. The only thing we are missing is coverage from rain, so we have to bring the garlic in if there is a chance of rain. There have been years of using this practice. We harvested garlic and had to dry it on metal racks in the basement to keep it out of the rain. 

We use a low-speed fan to ensure good air circulation. Air conditioning can make the air too cool for ideal curing conditions, So air conditioning is not recommended, as moisture is not your friend while curing or storing garlic.

Extra Tips for Successful Curing:

• I always choose a warm, dry day with low humidity, and well-ventilated area. Avoid high temperatures (over 90 °F) and bright sunlight during this process.
• Don’t pile them on top of each other. It’s essential to provide good air circulation between bulbs for ensuring proper Garlic curing.
• Don’t spread them out in the sun. Garlic is vulnerable to sunburn and can literally cook under the sun, which diminishes its flavour. Therefore you should minimize the amount of direct sunlight during the curing process.
• Don’t wash the garlic. The goal is to dry it out completely! Washing can introduce moisture, which can make your curing process weaken.
• Do not remove the leaves while the garlic is curing. The bulb continues to draw energy from the leaves and roots until the moisture has fully evaporated. This can help to prevent fungi or other lurking garden pests from spoiling the garlic. Before it’s fully cured.

Hardneck vs. Softneck Varieties

If you have grown a softneck variety, you can braid the necks and hang them for decorative charm. Softneck generally stores longer than hardneck. However, if you’re dealing with hardneck varieties (like my favourite variety), they’re tougher and better suited for cold winters.

For both types, start by trimming the roots to about 1/2 inch long. For hardneck varieties, clip the stems right above the neck. Then, store the bulbs in hanging wire baskets or mesh produce bags. Good air circulation is essential to keeping them dry and fresh. If you want to read about Softneck and Hardneck varieties in detail then click on given link.

Preparing Garlic for Storage after Curing

After the garlic has cured for two weeks, it’s ready for storage. Here are some key points to consider:

Pick Fresh Bulbs:

Always select bulbs that are firm and free from sprouting or mold. The outer skin should be papery and dry.

Store Whole Bulbs:

Keep cured garlic in a cool, dry spot with good air circulation.

Handle Cloves Carefully:

If you have separated cloves from the bulb, then put the unpeeled ones in a container that lets air flow.

Refrigerate Peeled Cloves:

Put peeled cloves in an airtight container and store them in the fridge.

How to Store Garlic

After successful curing, place the garlic in a dry, dark, cool area, where you can keep them in good condition for  1 to 2 months at ambient temperatures of 68 to 86 °F under low relative humidity, ie., < 75%. However, under these conditions, bulbs may become soft, spongy and shrivelled due to moisture loss.

I keep my garlic in the basement for storage purposes, where its temperature is controlled by a small fan circulating air at low speed. while it’s hard to maintain ideal temperatures in modern-day homes at all, so we do the best we can.

Preserve Fresh garlic for Long-term

For long-term storage, It’s recommended to maintain at temperatures of 30 to 32 °F with low RH (60 to 70%). Good airflow throughout storage containers is mandatory to prevent any moisture accumulation.  Under these conditions, you can safely store well-cured garlic for  6-7 months. Storage at higher temperatures (60 °F) may be adequate for the short term, but it is important to choose a spot with low humidity and good air circulation. 

Just like onions, garlic  requires relatively low humidity to prevent root and mold growth. On the other hand, if the environment is too dry, the bulbs may dry out. 

How to Store a Head of Garlic

You should choose fresh bulbs of  firm garlic with tight skins when you are at the supermarket. But also keep in mind that If you find the garlic feels soft, it’s on its way out. Pre-peeled and pre-grated garlic might seem handy, therefore it’s better to avoid these products.

Instead, store in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. For Example, A basket on your counter is away from direct sunlight, is a great option. Garlic should be kept in a cool place but not cold. So refrigerate it only if you plan to use it within a few days.

How to Store Unpeeled Garlic Cloves

It’s not a big issue If you have accidently broken off more garlic cloves than you needed. Just store the unpeeled cloves with the rest of the garlic heads. Keep them out of direct sunlight so they remain as fresh as possible.

If you notice that your garlic cloves are starting to sprout, don’t worry!  You can still use garlic that sprouts. Just make sure to cut off the green shoots. Though not harmful, These shoots might taste a bit bitter, but the garlic itself is still good to use.

Conclusion

So now you know that Curing garlic is an essential step that can extend its shelf life and ensure you enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come. You can place it in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. This enables the bulbs to develop their full flavor while preventing mold and rot.

Whether you’ve grown softneck or hardneck varieties, understanding the curing and storage processes for each type will help you maintain the quality of your garlic. Handle your garlic gently, store it in a cool, dry place with proper airflow, and protect it from common issues like excess moisture or direct sunlight.

By keeping all these tips in mind, you can now enjoy your home-grown garlic for a rich and robust flavour long after harvesting, making the whole culinary effort worthwhile.

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