Garden to Pantry

A Complete Guide to Harvesting, Curing, and Storing Garlic

Garlic is not only a versatile ingredient in the kitchen but also a rewarding plant to grow in your garden. With its distinct flavor and numerous health benefits, garlic has become a staple in many cuisines worldwide. Learning how to harvest, cure, and store garlic properly ensures that you can enjoy its fresh taste and extended shelf life. In this blog post, we will take you through the step-by-step process of harvesting garlic, curing it, and storing it for long-term use.

How to Harvest Garlic:

Harvesting garlic is an exciting moment for any gardener, as it marks the culmination of months of care and patience. Follow these steps to ensure a successful garlic harvest:

Timing: Garlic is typically ready for harvest when the leaves have turned yellow or brown and begin to wither, when there are around 4-5 green leaves remaining. Timing can vary based on the garlic variety and local climate. It’s best to observe the plants closely and harvest when about half of the leaves have dried up.

Loosening the soil: Before harvesting, gently loosen the soil around the bulbs using a garden fork or shovel. Be cautious not to damage the bulbs in the process.

Lift the bulbs: Use your hands or a digging tool to lift the garlic bulbs from the soil. Be careful not to bruise or cut the bulbs during this process. Avoid pulling the garlic by its stalk, as this can damage the bulbs.

Clean the bulbs: Remove any excess soil from the bulbs, but avoid washing them as this can introduce moisture, which is detrimental during the curing process.

How to Cure Garlic:

Curing garlic is a crucial step that helps enhance its flavor, improve its storage life, and develop the papery protective layers around the bulbs. Follow these steps for effective garlic curing:

Drying: After harvesting, lay the garlic bulbs in a single layer on a well-ventilated surface, such as a wire rack or a shady spot outdoors. Ensure good airflow around the bulbs to prevent mold formation. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the bulbs to overheat.

Optimal conditions: Ideal curing conditions include a temperature range of 70-80°F (21-27°C) and low humidity levels, around 60-70%. If the climate is humid, you can use a fan to improve air circulation around the drying bulbs.

Patience: Allow the garlic bulbs to cure for 2-4 weeks until the outer layers become dry and papery. During this time, the flavors intensify, and the bulbs become more resistant to spoilage.


How to Store Garlic:

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and flavor of garlic for an extended period. Follow these guidelines to store your cured garlic:

Choose the best bulbs: Before storing, select the best garlic bulbs for long-term storage. Discard any damaged, bruised, or moldy bulbs.

Remove excess foliage: Trim the stalks and roots of the garlic bulbs, leaving about an inch (2.5 cm) of stem attached to the bulb. This helps prevent the bulbs from drying out.

Select a suitable storage method: There are various storage methods to choose from, depending on your preferences and available space. Here are a few options:
  • Mesh bags or baskets: Place the bulbs in a mesh bag or a well-ventilated basket and store them in a cool, dark place with good air circulation, like a pantry or cellar. We include a red mesh bag with each order for storing your next harvest.

  • Garlic braids: For a visually appealing storage method, braid the stalks together and hang the garlic in a cool, dry location.

  • Paper bags: Place the bulbs in a paper bag, loosely closed, and store them in a cool, dry area.
Optimal storage conditions: Garlic is best stored in a cool and dry environment with temperatures ranging from 32-50°F (0-10°C) and humidity levels around 60-70%. Avoid storing garlic near moisture sources, such as sinks or refrigerators.

With these simple guidelines, you can successfully harvest, cure, and store garlic, ensuring its long-term availability in your kitchen. By investing a little time and effort, you’ll enjoy the aromatic flavors of freshly harvested garlic throughout the year. Whether you use it in savory dishes, sauces, or as a natural remedy, the homegrown garlic will undoubtedly elevate your culinary experience. So, go ahead and embrace the joy of growing and preserving your own garlic harvest!
This is the perfect time to order your 2023 garlic for Fall planting or just plain great eating garlic. Supplies and varieties are plentiful now. The online store is open and ready to accept your order.
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