Garlic is an excellent herb that’s used in many different cuisines. However, there are several things you should keep in mind when storing it. You should store it in an airtight container and don’t store it in a plastic bag, or it’ll spoil before you can get to it. It’s also not a good idea to store it in a crisper drawer.
Garlic has a distinctive scent that varies according to its variety. The smell of fresh garlic should be spicy and pungent. If it starts to smell stale, it’s probably time to throw it out.
One of the best ways to tell if garlic is old is to check the color. If it is yellow or gray, it’s likely going bad. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not healthy, it’s definitely not something you’d want to eat.
Another way to figure out whether your garlic is fresh is to see if it has sprouts. This means it has turned over. While you can’t necessarily make use of these sprouts, they are a good indication that the cloves are fresh and not spoiled. That’s the same reason you shouldn’t squish them. A sprout can also be a sign of mold, so if you do, it’s time to get rid of it.
When examining the quality of your garlic, look for signs of rot, moisture loss, or a hollow head. Any of these are a warning sign that the tast of your garlic is going down the drain. In addition, check the labels to see if it has a sell-by date. Many vegetables have these and they’re usually only good for a limited amount of time.
How long your garlic lasts also depends on how you store it. The average life of a whole bulb of garlic is a little over a week, but the individual cloves can go for a month or two. So, if you’re planning on cooking a lot, it’s smart to buy it fresh and store it in a cool, dark place. Alternatively, you could keep it in a flower pot on top of a humidifier to simulate the effect of freshness.
It’s also a good idea to read the label on any pre-bottled products. Pre-bottled garlic tends to be a bit rancid. Also, if you’re in the market for a bottle of minced garlic, you should know that a pre-bottled product will only last for a day or two.
As a final warning, garlic can’t be stored near other vegetables. Not only can this cause it to spoil, it can also lead to botulism, a potentially fatal condition. Foodborne botulism isn’t a common occurrence, but if you’re a garlic lover, you don’t want to be wasting your money.
There are plenty of other signs to look out for, though. So, it’s best to take the time to do your research and use your best judgment. By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re getting the most out of your food.