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May 5,2026

Preserving Garlic

Hi Reader!

Hey friends! I recently had a subscriber (and friend) ask me about preserving garlic. I've grown my own garlic for the past 5 years and I dehydrate it. However, there are other ways to preserve it and that's what I want to share here.

5 Ways to Preserve Garlic

Garlic can be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions for months. Or it can be preserved through freezing, drying, or pickling for longer-term use.

1. Store Whole Bulbs

Whole bulbs can be stored in a cool, low-humidity environment for up to eight months, depending on the variety. Low humidity keeps the garlic from sprouting and molding. Don't store the bulbs in plastic bag because it will trap moisture and promote decay. Use a paper bag or cloth bag of some sort.

2. Chopped or Peeled Cloves

To store cloves, you can chop or peel them, place them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer term storage the garlic can be minced or pureed then place in little blobs or in an ice cube tray, then placed in the freezer.

3. Freeze Garlic

Peeled or unpeeled garlic can be frozen in freezer-safe bags. I do this sometimes too. It is very convenient when making recipes. When it thaws it's soft, but you can still slice or cut it into small pieces if need be for your recipes.

4. Drying (Dehydrating)

I mostly dehydrate garlic to preserve it because I then powder it down and use it for cooking. It's delicious! So much better than store bought. No preservatives, or caking agents - just fresh powdered garlic.

Anyway, you can dehydrate it with a dehydrator. Many air fryer units and some of the newer stoves will have a dehydrate setting as well.

You can also dehydrate it in your regular oven on a low setting, but you should keep the door cracked. Be forewarned, your whole house will have a lovely, strong garlic smell for a few days. So, I suggest a dehydrator you can use in the garage or back porch.

5. Storing in Vinegar or Oil

Last, you can put peeled cloves in vinegar or dry white wine, or oil and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 5 months. Garlic in oil should definitely be placed in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth or botulism.

I hope these tips helped!

You might even want to jump all in and grow your own garlic one day! It's easy to do, and very low maintenance. Here is a post I wrote about growing garlic. >> "Almost Time To ... Plant Garlic"​

Feel free to write me at jangardener@gardenease.org if you have any questions or comments.

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I'll see you in the next edition!

Peace and Love,

Jan

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If you have questions, comments, praises, complaints, or ideas about gardening or about the newsletter, you can reach me at: jangardener@gardenease.org