How to Store Garlic in the Fridge? – How Long Does Garlic Last?

Garlic has huge importance in our everyday meals. It serves as a key ingredient in many recipes.

Even in pop culture, garlic has always been in the spotlight. You might have seen it being used against vampires.

But, let’s talk about everyday problems regarding this vegetable. One of the most frequently asked questions is, how to store garlic in the fridge? Well, here’s how!

How to Store Garlic in the Fridge?

Using an airtight container is the right way to store garlic in the fridge.

Here’s how to store garlic in a refrigerator:

• Take an airtight container, plastic or glass.
  You can buy one from nearly all supermarkets and grocery stores.
• Put all the garlic in the container.
• Now keep the container in the main body of the fridge.

This way, it will take the cold temperature consistently. Moreover, the container will prevent humidity and moisture.

Using this method, you can prolong the garlic’s lifespan up to a couple of weeks.

Similar: Can You Keep Potatoes in the Fridge?

Does Garlic Go Bad in the Fridge?

Yes, peeled garlic can go bad in the fridge after 1 week. In contrast, chopped garlic has an even shorter lifespan of 1-2 days.

Peeled garlic cloves should be used within a week. Otherwise, they can turn to spoilage. In some cases, it can survive up to 10 – 12 days.

If you want to prolong the lifespan to even 1 year, you should opt for a freezer.

It ensures the protection of peeled, chopped, as well as cooked garlic for 10 to 12 months.

How Long Does Garlic Last in the Fridge?

It depends entirely on the state of garlic. Raw ones can survive up to 2 weeks in the fridge. On the other hand, chopped garlic can only last for 2 days.

When storing garlic, you should set your goal to 2 weeks maximum. In many cases, unpeeled garlic has even survived up to three weeks.

But that is rare. Mostly, they will spoil if you keep them this long.

Peeled garlic has different properties. It loses its cover, so it should be consumed within a week.

How to Store Peeled Garlic in Fridge?

Packing peeled garlic in airtight bags and keeping them for refrigeration is the best way of storing the vegetable.

An airtight container or bag is your best partner for storing peeled garlic in the fridge.

You can buy a plastic bag with a seal to prevent moisture. Here’s how to store peeled garlic in the refrigerator:

• Pack the peeled garlic in the airtight bag.
• Make sure the container is properly sealed.
• Keep it in the main body of the fridge.
• Make sure to use the garlic within a week.

How to Store Minced Garlic in Fridge?

You can store minced garlic in a glass jar in a fridge.

There are several ways to store minced garlic in the fridge. Here are the 2 most common ones.

The first method uses a glass jar:

• Mince the garlic finely.
• Take a glass jar and clean it properly. Make sure there is no moisture inside.
• Pack all the cloves in the jar.
• Now, you can put the glass jar of minced garlic in the fridge or freezer.

Another way is to use oil. Here’s how it works

• Take a packet of olive oil and a container.
• Put your minced garlic cloves in the container.
• Top them off with olive oil until they are fully immersed.
• Now, you can put them in the refrigerator.

Can You Keep Garlic in the Fridge?

Yes, you can keep garlic in the fridge. The vegetable can survive up to 2 or 3 weeks with refrigeration.

However, it is not the only way to store garlic. In fact, many people prefer to keep unpeeled garlic outside.

All you need is a suitable environment with no air circulation and a temperature of up to 86^oF.

How Do You Make Garlic Last Longer in the Fridge?

You can make garlic last longer in the fridge by keeping it in an airtight bag.

You can use a plastic bag for this job. Just make sure that the bag does not allow air circulation.

Otherwise, garlic can be spoiled within a few days. This method works best for peeled, chopped, and minced garlic cloves.

Where Should Garlic Be Stored in the Fridge?

You can put garlic on any one of your fridge’s shelves. Or, use a crisper drawer for better results.

The crisper drawers are for foods that do not need maximum coldness. And garlic is one such vegetable. It can start getting sprouted if exposed to too much cold and humidity.

What’s the Best Way to Store Garlic?

The best way to store garlic is to keep them in a place with a temperature between 68^oF to 86^oF. Make sure the area is dimly lit.

While many prefer refrigeration, it is not the best way to store garlic. That is to say unless you want to use garlic within a week. If you want to store it for longer, use mesh bags.

Keep garlic at room temperature. All you need to worry about is preventing moisture and too much light.

Can I Freeze Garlic Cloves?

Definitely! You can freeze garlic cloves easily at your home. All you need is a compatible container, such as a glass jar. And you are all set!

Storing garlic cloves in a freezer is a good practice. It prolongs the vegetable’s lifespan. You can freeze garlic in airtight (glass or plastic) containers.

However, the best method is using a glass jar. It works for all types of garlic, including chopped, unpeeled, minced, etc.

Also, Read About:

• Does Tomatoes Go Bad?
• Does Bread Go Bad?

How to Know if Garlic is Bad?

You can easily identify a clove of bad garlic if the color changes from white to a dull brown or yellow.

That is the sign of sprouting. It usually happens when you store garlic in incompatible conditions. While sprouting is edible, it tastes very unpleasant and bitter.

That said, sprouted garlic is safe to eat, as concluded by many studies. You can also remove it easily from the garlic before cooking to avoid the bitter flavor.

Conclusion

And that’s all to learn about storing garlic in the fridge for today. Hopefully, it will help you prevent spoilage with your veggies. Using a refrigerator for garlic is safe.

However, it is not the best practice. You can store it in a suitable environment that prevents moisture.

This way, you can prolong the garlic’s lifespan better than a fridge.

If you are thinking of preserving, go for a freezer. It is the best option for whole, peeled, minced, unpeeled, and chopped garlic.

Crystal Hafley

Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.

With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.