8 Tips to Help You Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh for Months

Garlic

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A culinary must in many different cuisines worldwide, garlic is a basic ingredient with strong flavour and scent. Although garlic is not especially difficult to preserve, it does have certain needs to keep its quality over time. Garlic storage depends mostly on air circulation and defence against too high moisture and light. Garlic should be stored ideally in a dark area with sufficient air circulation and somewhat low humidity. Many individuals decide to hang garlic in their kitchens; this is a good approach as long as the space isn't very damp or exposed to direct sunlight. Apart from promoting sufficient air circulation, hanging garlic gives your kitchen a rustic, beautiful accent. If you have grown your own, you can braid the stalks together when hanging garlic; if you bought it from a store, use netts or mesh bags. Make sure the garlic bulbs provide enough room between them for free circulation of air. This helps to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause sprouting or mould. Shallow boxes are a great way to store things for people who would want not to have garlic on show. The boxes should be at least six inches deep to provide the garlic enough room and let appropriate air flow. Making numerous holes in these boxes for airflow is quite vital. To draw any extra moisture, line the box's bottom with brown paper or newspaper. Arange the bulbs in a single layer if at all possible when keeping garlic in boxes. Should you be stacking them, do it gently to prevent bruising. Remember to routinely examine your stored garlic and discard any bulbs showing evidence of weakening or sprouting. Garlic keeps best between 60°F and 65°F (15°C and 18°C). For short times, though, garlic can withstand temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C). Store garlic away from the refrigerator; the cool, humid surroundings can induce the bulbs to sprout. Think about preservation if you have more garlic than you could consume before it goes bad. You can roast and freeze garlic cloves, or create garlic-infused oil (after following correct safety precautions to prevent botulism). Moreover, peeled garlic cloves can be kept in vinegar or wine. For individuals who cultivate their own garlic, correct curing is crucial before refrigeration. After gathering, let the garlic dry for roughly two weeks in a well-ventilated, direct-sunlight environment. After curing, remove the stalks around one inch above the bulb and trim the roots before refrigeration. Following these storage rules will help you to keep your garlic fresh and tasty for several months, therefore guaranteeing that you always have this aromatic component available for your cooking.