How to Harvest and Store Garlic: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Harvest and Store Garlic?
To harvest and store garlic, wait until the tops have started to yellow and dry partially.
Harvest the garlic bulbs when two-thirds of the leaves turn yellow and start to fall over.
Make sure the bulbs have filled out the skin and the outer skin is firm.
Stop watering the plant when the leaves start to decline and the bulbs are near harvest.
After harvesting, immediately clean the soil from the bulbs and cure them for two weeks in a shady place with good air circulation.
The bulbs are ready to store when the skins are dry and papery.
Trim the bulbs by cutting the stems to 1½ to 2 inches long and removing the roots.
For long-term storage, keep the garlic in a cool, dry, dark place.
Short-term storage can be done at room temperature (60° to 70°F) with low humidity.
Avoid exposing the garlic to bright light.
If any garlic develops mold during storage, discard it.
Save some of the largest bulbs for planting in the fall if you want to grow garlic again next season.
Key Points:
- Harvest garlic when tops have started to yellow and dry partially
- Harvest bulbs when two-thirds of leaves turn yellow and start to fall over
- Make sure bulbs have filled out the skin and the outer skin is firm
- Stop watering the plant when leaves start to decline and bulbs are near harvest
- Clean soil from bulbs and cure them for two weeks in shady place with good air circulation
- Trim bulbs by cutting stems to 1½ to 2 inches long and removing roots
Did You Know?
1. Garlic has been used for over 5,000 years for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It was even used by ancient Egyptians as a form of currency.
2. Did you know that garlic can deter mosquitoes? When crushed or minced, garlic releases a compound called allicin, which repels these pesky insects.
3. Garlic has a fascinating connection to superstitions. In ancient folklore, people believed that hanging garlic near doorways or windows could protect against evil spirits and vampires.
4. The largest garlic bulb ever recorded weighed a whopping 2 pounds, 10 ounces! This colossal garlic bulb was grown in the state of Michigan in 2018.
5. In some Eastern European countries, garlic is considered a symbol of good luck and is hung in households to ward off negative energy and bring prosperity.
When To Harvest Garlic
One of the most important aspects of growing garlic is knowing when to harvest it. The timing of the harvest will determine the flavor, quality, and storage capabilities of the garlic bulbs. Here are some key points about harvesting garlic:
- Garlic should be harvested in the summer when the tops have started to yellow and dry partially.
- In general, garlic is ready for harvest 90-100 days after spring planting and 8 months after autumn planting.
Remember, harvesting the garlic at the right time ensures optimal taste and storage.
“Harvesting garlic at the right time is crucial for achieving the best flavor and preserving quality.”
Signs Of Garlic Readiness For Harvest
To determine if your garlic bulbs are ready for harvest, observe the plant’s leaves and bulbs. Harvest garlic bulbs when two-thirds of the leaves have turned yellow and start to fall over. The mature garlic bulbs should have cloves that fill out the skin, and the outer skin of the bulb should be firm. It is essential not to harvest the bulbs too soon as they won’t store well. However, leaving them in the ground for too long will cause decay.
Curing And Drying Garlic
Once you have harvested your garlic bulbs, it’s time to prepare them for storage. The first step is to stop watering the garlic plant when the leaves start to decline and the bulbs are near harvest. This will initiate the drying and curing process. Garlic varieties do not all mature at the same time, but the main harvest garlic in the Northern Hemisphere is usually ready in late July.
To cure the garlic bulbs, they need to be placed in a shady area with good air circulation. Hanging the whole plant or placing the bulbs on a mesh rack are common methods. The bulbs should be cured for two weeks until the skins are dry and papery, the roots are dry, and the cloves can be easily cracked apart. Once the bulbs have been properly cured, they can be trimmed by cutting the stems to 1½ to 2 inches long and removing the roots. You can also clean the bulbs further by removing outer skins, but be careful not to expose the cloves.
Proper Storage Techniques For Garlic
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality of your harvested garlic. If you plan to store garlic for several months, it should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place. A temperature range of 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C) is ideal for long-term storage.
For short-term storage of 1 to 2 months, garlic can be stored at room temperature (60° to 70°F) with low humidity. It is recommended to store garlic in a mesh bag or dish in a cupboard, avoiding exposure to bright light.
Discard any garlic that develops mold during storage to prevent it from spreading to other bulbs.
If you want to grow garlic again in the next season, save some of the largest, best-formed bulbs for planting in the fall.
- Use a cool, dry, dark place for long-term storage
- Temperature range 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C)
- Short-term storage at room temperature (60° to 70°F) with low humidity
- Store garlic in a mesh bag or dish, avoid bright light
- Discard moldy garlic
- Save largest, best-formed bulbs for planting in the fall.
Different Types Of Garlic And Their Storage Characteristics
There are three main types of garlic: softneck, hardneck, and great-headed (elephant) garlic. Each type has its own distinct characteristics and storage requirements.
Softneck varieties are best suited for warm-winter regions and are commonly braided for storage.
Hardneck varieties have a single ring of cloves and are more cold-hardy but do not store as well or as long as other varieties.
Great-headed garlic, which is more similar to leeks, has a flavor more akin to an onion. However, it is not as hardy and does not store as well as other varieties.
Importance Of Timing In Harvesting And Storing Garlic
Timing is crucial in the successful harvesting and storage of garlic. Harvesting garlic prematurely leads to smaller cloves that do not store well. Conversely, leaving garlic in the ground for too long causes the cloves to burst out of their skins and reduces the storage time of the bulbs. Therefore, it is essential to pay close attention to the signs indicating garlic’s readiness for harvest and to follow proper curing and drying techniques to ensure the best quality and longevity of your stored garlic.
Remember, timing is everything when it comes to garlic. By understanding when to harvest, signs of readiness, curing and drying methods, proper storage techniques, and the characteristics of different garlic varieties, you can ensure a bountiful supply of flavorful garlic for months to come. Pay attention to the signals from your plants and enjoy the rewards of your harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store fresh garlic after harvesting?
To properly store fresh garlic after harvesting, it is crucial to keep it in a cool and dark environment with adequate air circulation. One effective method is to braid and hang the garlic in a location away from kitchen light. Alternatively, you may opt for storing garlic in a mesh bag, which also allows for proper air circulation while maintaining the desired darkness. Maintaining a temperature range between 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit is important to extend the shelf life of the garlic and preserve its flavor. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your freshly harvested garlic remains at its best for an extended period.
What is the best way to store fresh garlic?
To ensure the best storage for fresh garlic, it is recommended to keep it in a cool and dimly lit area with proper air circulation. It is essential to avoid airtight containers as they can promote rotting. Likewise, using plastic bags should be avoided as they can trap moisture, leading to faster garlic spoilage. Opting for mesh bags or paper wrappers will allow for sufficient air circulation while keeping the garlic in a suitable storage environment.
How long should garlic dry after harvesting?
The drying process of garlic after harvesting is essential for its long-term preservation. Once harvested, it is recommended to allow the garlic to dry for a period of three to four weeks in dry regions, ensuring it is fully dried and cured for optimal storage. However, in more humid locations, the drying process can take up to five weeks or even longer to achieve the desired level of dryness.
What are the best techniques for storing garlic to ensure it remains fresh and flavorful for an extended period of time?
The best technique for storing garlic to maintain its freshness and flavor is by keeping it in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Garlic bulbs should be stored at a temperature between 60-65°F (15-18°C) with low humidity. It’s crucial to avoid exposing garlic to moisture, which can lead to sprouting and spoiling. Store garlic bulbs in a mesh bag, a paper bag, or a well-ventilated container to promote air circulation and prevent the build-up of moisture. Additionally, it’s important to store garlic away from direct sunlight since exposure to light can cause the garlic to sprout or become bitter.
Another effective technique is to store garlic cloves in oil. Peel the garlic, separate the cloves, and store them in a jar filled with olive oil or vegetable oil. Make sure the garlic cloves are fully submerged in oil to prevent growth of bacteria or mold from exposure to air. Keep the jar in the refrigerator, and the garlic cloves will remain fresh and flavorful for an extended period. It’s essential to note that homemade oil-infused garlic should be used within a week to avoid the risk of botulism.