Did you know you can get garlic to easily last for months? I didn’t either until I stumbled onto this little trick: put them in a regular paper bag with holes punched into them and paper clip them shut. It gives them the dark dry environment they need to stay fresh, without limiting their air flow.
Here’s what you need to get started:
- Hole Punch
- Paper Bags
- Marker to Label the Bag
- Paper Clips or Tape
Fold your paper bag in half length wise and punch holes in the bag {just makes the hole punching faster and more uniform}. You don’t want to whole punch the bottom of the bag though, so stay away from the bottom three inches or so. Open the bag back up and pop the garlic into the bag. Fold the top of the bag over and paper clip or tape it. You can label the bags if you need to and reuse them over and over.
I am totally going to start doing this–even if you don’t have a garden, you can use this method to stock up when prices are low.
How do YOU store your garlic?
~Mavis
Jana Williamson says
We have always stored them in the clam shells that other fruits come in like strawberries. They stay for months and months in those and you are recycling the clam shell and not adding to the landfill situation. I may try this method too.
lavendersbluedillydilly says
That is Brilliant! saving them from now on…
In other things, We grew a TON of garlic, I dont thing we stored it correctly right after, I think some of it stayed damp, and there is mold and rotting spots. What do I do? Do I still lay it all out to dry, will it correct itself?
Mavis Butterfield says
If it already has mold and is rotting I would toss it. 🙁
lavendersbluedillydilly says
Oh Bullocks. 🙁 We just jumped in over our heads a couple years ago. Leaning a lot of had lessons now. sigh… NEXT YEAR I will do it different
katherine slate says
i like to store mine in olive oil. i take all the paper off and pop them into a clean jar with some good olive oil. you can mince them up for a quick fridge staple. i put lots of minced garlic in my pasta sauces and pizzas. yummy and so quick.
Sharon says
Do you think that would work with potato’s?
Kari says
I threw mine in a lingerie bag and keep it in the garage.
Lee says
I’m lazy – I just throw them in the cupboard. They last a pretty long time that way.
Carol says
Great idea, thanks, Mavis!
Amanda says
I have read that’s the best way to store potatoes and onions too
duane mitch says
I put mine in onion mesh bags and hang from the ceiling in the basement next to the onions hanging in the long sock mesh I purchase from “the onion man” in Texas. They both last until spring generally. I use the paperbag method in the kitchen under the counter for the potatoes and onions, and I think it works better then without the bag. Wish it was colder climate for them, but still OK.
wooddude