Should I Refrigerate Garlic?

Garlic works wonders in every kitchen!

It adds such a punch of flavor and aroma to your dishes, but there are times where you may want to avoid keeping it on hand.

So, what do you do with all those cloves that have been sitting around in the back of your refrigerator for too long?

Should you toss them out and buy more?

Or should you try storing them in your pantry?

Is garlic perishable?

Garlic is typically considered a perishable food item because it will go bad over time.

However, if you cook with it regularly, you won’t need to worry about its shelf life.

In fact, most people don’t even know how long they can expect garlic to last before it goes bad. 

For example, let’s say you buy 10 pounds of garlic from your local grocery store.

That’s roughly 2 cups of garlic for every person in your household.

If you only used one clove per day, that would mean you have five years worth of garlic left after just two weeks.

So, it’s really up to personal preference as to whether or not you want to keep it around for that long or throw it out right away.

How long does garlic last in the fridge?

If you keep your garlic in a sealed container, it should last for several months in the fridge.

But again, this depends on how often you plan to use it.

For instance, if you’re planning to make garlic bread once a week, then it’s probably better to keep it in the fridge rather than freezing it.

You can also store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, which keeps it fresher for longer.

However, if you’re storing it in the vegetable drawer of your fridge, it could start to go bad within six months.

This is especially true if you leave it open for extended periods of time.

Also, if you store it in the same spot, it’ll become warm quickly, which can cause bacteria growth.

What temperature should garlic be stored at?

The ideal storage temperature for garlic is between 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit (4-7 degrees Celsius).

At this temperature, the enzymes in the garlic will remain active and prevent the garlic from going bad.

The higher the temperature, the faster the enzymes break down and the faster your garlic starts to rot.

Is it safe to eat garlic that has been refrigerated?

No matter how long you’ve kept your garlic, you shouldn’t consume any that’s past its prime.

While garlic isn’t toxic in small quantities, consuming large amounts of raw garlic could result in health issues.

Some symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In addition, eating garlic that’s past its prime can lead to an allergic reaction.

If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Can garlic be frozen?

Yes, garlic can be frozen.

However, as soon as it freezes, it loses much of its potency.

Because of this, it’s usually recommended to thaw your garlic first before adding it to your dish.

To get the most out of your garlic, you should cook it as soon as possible after thawing.

How long does garlic last in the freezer?

You can expect your garlic to last for up to three months in the freezer.

This is if you’re storing it in airtight containers.

When you’re ready to use it, simply defrost it by placing it in room temperature water until it reaches room temperature.

After that, you’ll be able to use it in your dishes without worrying about it going bad.

Is it safe to eat garlic that has been frozen?

Like we said earlier, while garlic can last for a good amount of time in the freezer, it doesn’t retain its full potency.

As a result, you should never add frozen garlic directly to your recipe.

Instead, you should thaw it first before adding it to your dish.

How can you tell if garlic has gone bad?

There are a few signs that indicate your garlic may be bad.

One way to check it is to smell it. If the garlic smells musty or moldy, then it’s likely gone bad.

Another way to tell if it’s gone bad is by looking at the color.

If the garlic is dark brown, black, or green, then it’s definitely past its prime.

Another sign that your garlic is bad is if it’s soft or mushy.

If it’s like this, then it’s best to discard it immediately.

What are some ways to use garlic?

Garlic is known for being a powerful flavoring agent.

It can help bring out the flavors in your foods, making your meal taste more delicious.

It can also help boost your immune system and fight off illnesses.

Here are some ways to use garlic:

Add it to your salad dressing

Use it to season chicken and fish

Make homemade pizza crust using minced garlic

Add it to your favorite pasta sauce

Add it to your favorite chili

Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil

Mix it into mashed potatoes

Cook it with ground beef

Combine it with cheese to make a cheesy dip

Slice it thinly and sprinkle it on top of your grilled meats

Bake it into cookies

Sprinkle it on top of roasted vegetables

Use it to make garlic bread

What are some recipes that call for garlic?

Garlic is commonly used in many different types of meals.

Whether you’re baking, roasting, sautéing, or grilling, garlic is always a great addition.

Here are a few examples of recipes that call for garlic:

Chicken Parmesan

Hamburger Helper

Spaghetti Bolognaise

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Fajitas

Pizza

Pasta Alfredo

Lasagna

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

What are some other things you should know about garlic?

While garlic is a common ingredient, it’s important to understand why we love it so much.

For starters, it’s an excellent source of vitamin C, iron, folate, potassium, manganese, fiber, and zinc.

It’s also a great source of antioxidants, including selenium, carotenoids, and polyphenols.

Additionally, garlic is known for helping reduce high blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, lowering triglycerides, and improving heart function.

On top of that, it helps to lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.

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