Garlic Storage Secrets: Keep it Fresh for Longer!
How to Store Peeled and Unpeeled Garlic: Expert Tips
Garlic is an indispensable ingredient in many cuisines, especially Korean dishes. Its unique pungent aroma and flavor not only enhance the taste of various seasonings but also help eliminate unwanted odors and add depth to your cooking. Knowing how to properly store garlic will allow you to enjoy its freshness for extended periods. Let’s dive into the best storage methods tailored for both peeled and unpeeled garlic.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 bunch whole garlic (approx. 1kg)
- 1 cup sugar (granulated or brown)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare a bunch of whole garlic that you’ve purchased. For the garlic you’ll use immediately, peel off the skin. For the rest, we’ll prepare them for long-term storage. Choosing fresh garlic is the crucial first step to successful storage.
Step 2
Especially for fresh garlic that has high moisture content, it’s important to gently dry it before storing. Spread the garlic on paper towels or newspaper in a single layer in a well-ventilated area to let some moisture evaporate. This step helps prevent the garlic from becoming mushy or developing mold.
Step 3
For unpeeled garlic that you intend to store for a long time, separate the cloves. At this stage, lightly trim off the outer papery skin and the root end of the garlic. Avoid cleaning it too thoroughly, as this can cause the garlic to dry out; simply separating the cloves is sufficient.
Step 4
If you want to store unpeeled whole garlic for an extended period, the best method is to place the separated cloves directly into a kimchi refrigerator. The low temperature and humidity control of a kimchi refrigerator are ideal for keeping garlic fresh.
Step 5
When using an airtight container for storage, place a sheet of newspaper at the bottom. Arrange the separated garlic cloves in a single layer without overlapping. Cover the garlic with another sheet of newspaper, and then add another layer of garlic, repeating this process to create multiple layers. The newspaper acts as a moisture absorber.
Step 6
Once the unpeeled garlic is layered with newspaper, close the lid of the airtight container and store it in your kimchi refrigerator. This method helps maintain the garlic’s pungency and flavor for a long time.
Step 7
Now, let’s talk about storing peeled garlic. Since peeled garlic lacks its protective skin, it’s prone to spoilage and becoming soft, so it’s best to consume it as soon as possible. However, if you need to store it, here’s a special tip to maintain its freshness! Using sugar is the key. Place a thin layer of sugar at the bottom of an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
Step 8
The sugar absorbs the moisture released from the garlic, helping to regulate humidity. This significantly contributes to keeping the garlic fresher for a longer duration. You’ll notice a considerable difference just by adding a layer of sugar at the base.
Step 9
On top of the sugar layer in the airtight container, place about two thick layers of paper towels. These paper towels will absorb any residual moisture from the garlic.
Step 10
Arrange the prepared peeled garlic cloves in a single layer on the paper towels, ensuring they don’t overlap. It’s best to leave the tough stem part of the garlic intact, as the cut end can be more susceptible to mold. Also, discard any garlic cloves that have bruises or blemishes, or store them separately for immediate use. Select only the freshest cloves for storage.
Step 11
Finally, cover the peeled garlic with another layer of paper towel and close the lid of the airtight container. Storing in a kimchi refrigerator will keep the garlic fresh for much longer compared to a regular refrigerator. The cool temperature of the kimchi refrigerator is excellent for preserving the freshness of peeled garlic.
Step 12
As you can see, the way you store your garlic can significantly impact how long it stays fresh. Enjoy your delicious garlic for longer with these practical storage tips!
