How to Cure Garlic for Long Term Storage

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 wish to enjoy your harvest! And curing your garlic will do exactly this.

Keep reading this article to learn How to Cure Garlic for Long term Storage. So you can enjoy its flavor safely for 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 after Harvest

Curing is a crucial step for successful garlic storage and ensuring optimal flavor. 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 flavor 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 have smaller size bulb. While 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 spare table, 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 to Dry Garlic: Personal Preferences

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. The moisture is not your friend during this process.

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 flavor. Therefore you should minimize the amount of direct sunlight during the 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 (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 in detail about Softneck and Hardneck varieties then visit Different Types Of Garlic: Garlic Varieties To Grow In Your Garden.

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 processes for each type will help you to 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 flavor long after harvesting, making the whole culinary effort worthwhile.

FAQs

Q1. How Long to Cure Garlic?

Answer: It generally depends on environmental conditions:
For Warm, Dry Climates: Curing typically takes about 2 weeks.
For Cool, Humid, or Rainy Climates: The process can extend to 1 to 2 months.
Garlic is properly cured when the outer skins are dry and papery, and the cloves inside feel firm.