Harvesting, Curing, and Storing Garlic

Garlic is a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide, not only for its robust flavor but also for its numerous health benefits. Harvesting, curing, and storing garlic properly ensures a bountiful supply that can last through the winter months. Here’s a detailed guide on how to harvest, cure, and store garlic to maximize its shelf life and flavor.

Harvesting Garlic

1. Timing the Harvest: Garlic is typically planted in the fall and harvested in mid to late summer. The key to a successful harvest is timing. Look for these signs to determine when your garlic is ready:

• The lower leaves of the garlic plant start to yellow and die back while the upper leaves remain green.

• Ideally, there should still be about five to six green leaves at the top of the plant.

2. Harvesting Process:

• Tools Needed: A garden fork or shovel and a pair of gloves.

• Procedure:

  • Loosen the soil around the garlic bulbs carefully to avoid damaging them.

  • Gently lift the bulbs from the soil, being careful not to bruise them.

  • Brush off excess soil, but avoid washing the bulbs as moisture can encourage mold.

Curing Garlic

1. Why Cure Garlic? Curing is essential as it allows the garlic to dry and develop its rich flavor, and it helps in long-term storage by preventing mold and decay.

2. How to Cure Garlic:

• Location: Choose a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. A shed, garage, or covered porch works well.

• Method:

  • Bundle the garlic bulbs in groups of 5-10 and tie them together with string or if you have the space spread them out on a wire flat. We use hardware trays that we stack.

  • Hang the bundles or lay the bulbs out on a rack or screen in a single layer.

  • Ensure good air circulation around all sides of the bulbs. We use a large fan to help with air circulation.

3. Duration: Curing typically takes about 3-4 weeks. The garlic is ready when the outer skins are papery and dry, and the cloves are firm to the touch.

Storing Garlic

1. Preparing for Storage:

• After curing, trim the roots close to the bulb.

• Cut the stalks about an inch above the bulb or braid the stalks together if you’ve grown softneck garlic.

2. Ideal Storage Conditions:

• Temperature: Store garlic at a cool, stable temperature of around 60-65°F (15-18°C).

• Humidity: Maintain low humidity to prevent sprouting and mold growth.

• Light: Keep garlic in a dark place to prevent it from sprouting.

3. Storage Methods:

• Pantry Storage: Place garlic in a mesh bag, woven basket, or a paper bag. Ensure it has plenty of ventilation.

• Refrigeration: Garlic can be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator if you live in a very hot or humid climate. Keep it in a mesh bag to allow airflow.

• Freezing: Peel and chop garlic cloves, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze. This can affect the texture but is useful for long-term storage.

• Other Methods: Garlic can also be stored in oil or vinegar, or dried and ground into garlic powder. We dehydrate garlic and store in mason jars.

Benefits of Proper Harvesting, Curing, and Storing

Properly harvesting, curing, and storing garlic ensures that it retains its flavor and nutritional value for as long as possible. It also minimizes waste and the need for frequent replanting, making your garlic-growing efforts more sustainable and rewarding.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of your homegrown garlic all year round. Whether you use it in cooking, for its medicinal properties, or simply to enjoy its pungent aroma, well-preserved garlic is a valuable addition to any kitchen.