If you look into Indian cuisine, you will discover a vast variety of ingredients that give the cuisine its distinct flavor. Garlic is an essential and versatile ingredient that can be found in almost every kitchen cupboard and is known for its numerous health benefits. My particular preference is when there is a lot of garlic in every dish. It doesn’t matter if they are appetizers, main courses, or even sides. However, Improper storage of garlic can result in a loss of its flavor, sprouting, or the growth of mold. In this post, we will share the best practices for storing garlic fresh and flavorful for longer.
What Is Garlic?
Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and is a hardy perennial belonging to the Liliaceae family. This family also includes shallots, onions, leeks, and chives. Its pungent aroma and exquisite flavor set them apart. The garlic plant’s bulb is made up of individual cloves that are typically peeled and used in recipes. It normally consists of ten to twenty tiny teardrop-shaped cloves that are encased in white, parchment-like skin.
How To Use Garlic? - What Does it Taste Like?
Garlic can be used in numerous ways. You can mince it, roast it or just have it as is, and it is a popular ingredient in dishes such as curries, stir-fries, soups, and pasta sauces. However, one of the preferable ways of using garlic is by making a paste out of it. It is not only time-saving but also a very effortless way of enjoying the pungent flavor of garlic. While raw, garlic has a pungent and strong flavor; when cooked, it tends to have a milder and sweeter flavor.
Health Benefits Of Garlic
Where to Buy Garlic?
You can find garlic easily in most grocery stores, supermarkets, or farmer’s markets. They are typically found in the produce section, either sold in mesh bags or loose.
How to Buy Garlic? Tips And Tricks
There are certain shopping tips and tricks for garlic, just like there are for other vegetables. To get the greatest flavors of garlic, use these suggestions. Read on to learn about them.
How To Store Fresh Garlic?
Let’s learn how to store fresh garlic now. Whole Bulb: If you’re storing entire garlic bulbs, keep them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated cabinet and away from sunlight and moisture. The ideal temperature for storing garlic for longer is between 60-65°F (15-18°C). Individual, Unpeeled Cloves: If you happen to have a few extra cloves that you didn’t use, keep them in the same cabinet with the whole bulbs of garlic and use them within a week or less. Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or moisture.
How To Store Peeled Garlic
Peeled garlic cloves are a terrific method to prepare ahead of time, especially if you know you’ll be cooking all week. Peel the thin, papery skin from the clove. The peeled cloves should be placed in an airtight container like a mason jar or plastic storage bag like a ziplock bag, sealed tightly, and kept in the refrigerator. Utilize within 5-7 days.
How To Store Garlic Paste?
Garlic paste is one of the best ways to store garlic. All you gotta do is put a little garlic paste in a silicone ice cube tray and freeze for approximately 2 hours or until hard. Then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe ziplock storage bag, label the date, seal it tightly before freezing, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Your Garlic Last Longer
More Cooking 101 Recipes
How to Make Ghee How to Make Garlic Paste How to Store Cilantro How to Sprout Beans How to Store Ginger How to Make Ginger Paste How to Store Curry Leaves How to Make Curd (Yogurt)
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