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Garlic is a universal kitchen staple in a variety of cuisines around the world. Its robust flavor and health benefits make it popular with both home cooks and professional chefs.
Garlic needs to be kept fresh to maintain its full potency and delicious flavor. So, how long does garlic last in the fridge, and what’s the best way to store it? We’re here to cover the basics of storing fresh garlic, minced garlic, and all varieties of this delicious food so you can maintain maximum potency and freshness.
Does Refrigeration Affect Garlic’s Nutritional Value?
In addition to wondering how long garlic will last in the fridge, it’s also important to consider how refrigeration might impact the quality of your garlic. Storing garlic at colder temperatures can slightly impact specific enzymatic processes, decreasing certain nutrients over time. Thankfully, this effect is minimal, and studies show that antioxidants and allicin remain relatively stable despite being in the fridge.
In addition to minor nutrition impacts, putting garlic in the fridge can cause it to soften slightly. However, the adverse effects of keeping fresh garlic in the refrigerator versus at room temperature are relatively small. Since it helps your garlic last longer, giving you more time to enjoy the nutritional benefits and flavor, it’s worth storing your garlic in the fridge.
Methods for Safely Storing Different Types of Garlic
Factors such as temperature, humidity, and air circulation can all impact the shelf life of your garlic, and proper storage is key. The best way to store garlic will depend on the type of garlic you’re using – individual bulbs, whole cloves, and minced garlic will all require different storage methods. Properly storing your garlic can help you keep it fresh for longer and prevent spoilage.
Garlic Cloves
Individual garlic cloves should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. Ideally, you want to use a breathable container or mesh bag to maintain good airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Garlic does not need to be refrigerated, but be mindful of humidity when choosing where to store it.
Garlic Bulbs
If you have whole garlic bulbs, they do not need to go in the fridge. You can keep them in a well-ventilated room at room temperature. Make sure they’re kept out of the sun and away from heat sources. A basement or similar cool area of the home works best – just be sure to avoid keeping it next to the window!
Minced Garlic
Minced garlic typically comes in a jar, and for good reason. It should be stored in an airtight container to help prevent bacterial growth. Unlike cloves and bulbs, minced garlic should be kept in the fridge to maintain freshness.
How long minced garlic lasts in the fridge depends on whether it’s freshly minced at home or in a jar. Fresh minced garlic should be used within a day, while jarred minced garlic can last around three months when properly stored.
Peeled Garlic
If you have peeled your garlic cloves, they need to be stored carefully without their protective outer layer. An airtight container or resealable plastic bag is best, and you should store them in the fridge to maintain freshness. Peeled garlic should be used within a week to ensure it stays fresh and high-quality.
How to Safely Preserve Garlic in the Fridge
Proper preparation and storage conditions are essential to getting the best shelf life when storing garlic in the fridge. Refrigeration can be a great way to maintain your garlic’s flavor and nutritional value over a longer period, but only if you handle it properly to reduce moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Here are the steps to take for the best garlic storage in the fridge.
Choose Firm and Fresh Bulbs
To preserve your garlic long-term, start with high-quality bulbs. Choose firm, unblemished bulbs to store in the fridge. These will have the best chance of lasting compared with garlic that’s already getting soft or showing signs of damage.
Clean Gently
While many vegetables store best after being washed, you should not wash your garlic bulbs before storing them. Instead, gently brush off any dirt using a dry cloth. That way, you avoid introducing extra moisture that can cause the garlic to spoil more quickly.
Use Breathable Containers
Preventing moisture buildup is essential for storing garlic, so opt for a breathable container. Mesh bags or paper bags work well to protect the garlic while still allowing for good airflow.
Store in the Crisper Drawer
Store your garlic in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer to maintain the proper humidity levels and ensure long-term preservation. This drawer is explicitly designed to help keep produce, including garlic, fresh.
Maintain a Cold and Dry Environment
One reason a fridge works well for storing garlic is that it maintains a consistent temperature and helps limit moisture. Ideally, the fridge temperature should always be around 32°F to 40°F to maximize the garlic’s shelf life.
Separate from Moist Produce
When storing garlic, it needs to be kept away from moisture-rich produce. Veggies with high moisture content, such as onions and potatoes, can cause garlic to spoil more quickly. Keep these items separate to prevent your garlic from going bad too soon.
Use within Six Months
Storing garlic in the fridge can increase its shelf life, lasting up to six months. You should use your garlic within this six-month timeframe to get the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
How Do You Know if Garlic Has Spoiled?
Using spoiled garlic in your food can ruin a good recipe and even create health risks. To avoid accidentally cooking with spoiled garlic, it’s important to know the signs that garlic has gone bad.
Soft or Mushy Cloves
Garlic cloves should be relatively firm to the touch. If they feel soft or mushy, your garlic is likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Strong, Unpleasant Odor
We all know garlic has a strong scent. However, if your garlic smells unusually pungent or has an off-putting, different smell, it has likely gone bad.
Visible Mold Growth
If your garlic shows any signs of mold growth, such as a fuzzy spot or discoloration, it is most definitely spoiled. Garlic that appears to have mold should be disposed of immediately.
Green Sprouts Emerging
Sometimes, garlic will begin to grow green sprouts. These sprouts don’t necessarily mean that the garlic has gone bad, and using sprouted garlic isn’t a health risk. However, garlic that’s begun to sprout often has a more bitter flavor and is slightly past its prime in terms of taste and nutrition.
Unusually Dark Coloration
Garlic cloves are typically white or slightly yellow. If your cloves have started to develop dark brown or black spots or look overall darker than usual, your garlic is likely spoiled. You should not eat garlic that shows these signs of discoloration.
How to Prevent Garlic Odors from Spreading in the Fridge
While storing garlic in the fridge is a great way to increase its shelf life, you don’t want your whole refrigerator to smell like garlic! Thankfully, proper storage can prevent that strong garlic smell from spreading.
Using an airtight container to store your garlic will help keep the smell contained, and placing it in the crisper drawer adds another layer of protection for other foods in the fridge. You can also use odor-absorbing materials, such as a box of baking soda in the fridge, to help prevent a strong garlic odor from spreading to other foods in your fridge. This will also ensure you don’t wind up with a garlic taste where you don’t want it, like with your fruits and other foods.
Bottom Line
How long garlic lasts in the fridge depends on how well it’s stored. Make sure to store your garlic appropriately based on what kind you have – cloves versus bulbs versus mixed garlic all require slightly different techniques. You should also use an airtight container and avoid washing the garlic with water before storing it.
Keeping garlic in the fridge can help increase its shelf life, maintaining the flavor and nutritional value for longer. Even when stored correctly in the fridge, you should monitor your garlic for any signs of spoilage and take care to contain the strong smell to avoid altering the flavors of other foods.
