You likely use garlic every day when preparing dishes such as vegetables, lentils (dal), and non-vegetarian meals. Some people choose to chew and consume raw garlic on an empty stomach in the morning, as it offers numerous health benefits for the body, particularly for the digestive system. Garlic is a bulbous root vegetable that is primarily used as a spice during cooking. People utilize it either in its whole form or as a paste.

Garlic is an incredibly beneficial herb, packed with a wealth of nutrients. It is notably low in calories. Furthermore, it is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, manganese, fiber, calcium, iron, selenium, antioxidants, and allicin—the primary active compound found in garlic. It is the allicin content that endows garlic with its potent antibacterial and antiviral properties.

While you might typically purchase a bulk quantity—ranging from 250 grams to half a kilogram—at a time, garlic tends to dry out rapidly during the summer months. Improper storage methods can also cause garlic to dry out prematurely, shrivel, or spoil. Outlined below are several simple techniques you can adopt to preserve garlic and keep it fresh for an extended period.

Many of us tend to leave garlic exposed to the open air, often placing it in proximity to the gas stove. This causes the individual cloves to dry out; the natural internal moisture begins to dissipate, diminishing their flavor and causing the cloves to turn yellow. Consequently, the garlic becomes light in weight, loses its distinct taste, and spoils quickly. When you subsequently add this garlic to vegetable dishes, chicken, or mutton, it fails to impart its characteristic flavor to the food.

To ensure long-term preservation, it is advisable to store garlic by hanging it up. Gather the garlic stalks, tie them together securely, and hang the bundle in a cool spot within your kitchen—perhaps suspended from a hook or a rope. Ideally, it is best to hang it in a dark location, such as in a corner of the room.

Use a Cotton Cloth: Alternatively, you can wrap the garlic loosely in a cotton cloth and store it in a cool, dry place. Cotton fabric allows for proper airflow. It regulates moisture, thereby keeping the garlic fresh and firm for an extended period.

Keep the garlic dry; do not store it in a sealed plastic bag. Storing it in a plastic bag can cause it to rot quickly, especially during the summer months. Store the garlic in a well-ventilated basket or container. Discard any garlic that is excessively soft, shriveled, or marked with black spots.

PC Social Media