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Garlic can stay fresh and delicious for months when it’s dried and stored properly, but what’s the best way to dry it? Drying garlic is a piece of cake—whole bulbs can be cured for long-term storage, and chopped cloves can be dehydrated and kept for years. We’ve put together a handy guide to drying garlic, including harvesting and storage tips to keep your garlic fresh and tasty for as long as possible. If you’re ready to maximize your garlic’s shelf life, keep scrolling!
Steps
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Lay or hang your harvested garlic in a warm, dry, ventilated place for up to 4 weeks. [1] X Research source Breezy barns, basements, [1] , or sheds make great locations as long as there’s good airflow, no bright sunlight, and the temperature stays consistently under 90 °F (32 °C). [2] X Research source
- Lay garlic bulbs in a single layer on a [2] and a fan, or hang them from the ceiling with [3] , [4] , or mesh bags . [3] X Research source
- Small bulbs cure faster than large ones, and curing takes less time in low humidity. The minimum time to cure garlic completely is 10 to 14 days.
- Curing is complete when the outer skin is dry and crispy, the neck is constricted, and the center of the stem is hard.
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Trim the roots and stems before long term storage. Once the curing is complete, use garden shears or a sharp knife to cut the roots close to the bulb base. Trim the shoots so there’s about 1 inch (2.5 cm) left on top of the bulb. If you plan on braiding the garlic bulbs together for storage, leave the shoots long. [4] X Research source
- The stems and roots can be trimmed before, during, or after curing. [5] X Research source
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Store cured garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Pantries or countertops are great options as long as the bulbs stay out of the sun. Store them in breathable containers like mesh bags or loosely woven baskets to allow air circulation around the entire bulb. [6] X Research source
- When the humidity is low (below 75%), cured garlic bulbs can last up to 2 months at room temperature. [7] X Research source
- For long-term storage, keep cured bulbs around 30 °F (−1 °C). With good airflow, they’ll last up to 7 months.
- Replant the biggest bulbs for next year’s crop. [8] X Research source Store these bulbs at around 50 °F (10 °C) in low humidity (below 70%).
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Braid garlic bulbs together for long-term, decorative storage after drying. The best time to braid is when the stems are half brown, but still pliable. Braid the stems like you’d braid hair—lay 3 stalks on a flat surface and complete 1 or 2 braids, then pull on the stalks so the bulbs are clustered together. [9] X Trustworthy Source University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education Go to source
- Lay additional stalks over the piece in the center of the braid with the bulb hanging just below the cluster to add them to the braid. Tie the end of the braid with [5] or [6] .
- It’s easier to braid soft-neck varieties of garlic than hard-neck types. To braid hard-neck garlic, wrap the stems in a warm, damp towel to soften them up first.
- Hang your garlic braid away from heat and light to prevent sprouting and extend the bulbs’ shelf life.
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Peel and separate your garlic bulb into individual cloves. Tear away the outer layers of skin from the bulb with your fingers, then pull apart the cloves. Peel the cloves by smashing them with the flat side of a large knife and then pulling off the loosened skin. [10] X Research source
- Alternatively, shake the cloves hard between 2 metal bowls or in a cocktail shaker to separate the cloves from the skin, or microwave the cloves for 20 seconds to loosen the skin.
- If you buy pre-peeled garlic cloves, plan to dry them within 48 hours of purchase for the best results. [11] X Research source
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Slice or mince the peeled cloves and spread them out on a baking tray. Slice the cloves in half lengthwise if you want larger garlic “chips” to use later. [12] X Research source If you plan on grinding garlic into powder , finely chop or mince the cloves into tiny pieces. [13] X Research source
- Lay your garlic pieces on the tray in a single layer so that no pieces are touching each other. This is easier with larger pieces than finely minced pieces. [14] X Research source
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Bake your tray of sliced cloves on low heat for up to 8 hours. First, bake them at 140 °F (60 °C) for 2 hours. Then, reduce the heat to 130 °F (54 °C) and continue drying for another 4 to 6 hours until the garlic pieces are crispy and slightly browned. [15] X Research source
- For even and thorough drying, don’t set your oven above 140 °F (60 °C). [16] X Research source
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Store your dried garlic cloves in an airtight jar at room temperature. Keep the jar in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry for the maximum shelf life (up to 3 years!). [17] X Research source Check your garlic occasionally to make sure no moisture has crept into the jar and been absorbed. [18] X Research source
- Dried minced garlic doesn’t truly spoil—it just loses its flavor and aroma over time. To test it, crush some to taste and smell. If it's weak, replace it. [19] X Research source
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Peel your garlic bulb and the individual cloves after harvesting. First, tear away the outer layers of skin with your fingers. Then smash each clove with the flat side of a large knife or shake the cloves hard between 2 metal bowls or in a cocktail shaker to separate the cloves from the skin. [20] X Research source
- Alternatively, place a whole bulb (with the outer layers of skin peeled off) in the microwave for 20 seconds to steam and loosen the cloves from their wrappings.
- If you buy pre-peeled garlic cloves, start drying them within 48 hours of purchase for the best results. [21] X Research source
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Chop the cloves and spread them out on the dehydrator tray. Slice the cloves in half if you want to make large garlic pieces, or mince them with a knife or food processor if you plan on making garlic powder later. [22] X Research source Spread the garlic pieces evenly over the tray so the pieces aren’t touching (this is harder with minced garlic, but they will dehydrate evenly since the pieces are so small). [23] X Research source
- Garlic doesn’t require any pretreatment before dehydrating. Once it’s chopped and on the tray, it’s ready to dry out.
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Dehydrate your garlic on a low temperature setting for up to 8 hours. Most dehydrators only have one temperature setting around 140 °F (60 °C) (if possible, avoid temperatures higher than this). [24] X Research source Generally, it will take 6 to 8 hours to fully dehydrate. [25] X Research source
- Follow the recommended instructions in your dehydrator’s directions.
- The garlic is done dehydrating when the pieces are crispy or brittle and they’ve started to turn brown.
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Store your garlic cloves in an airtight container at room temperature. Place the container in a cupboard, pantry, or countertop that’s consistently cool and out of the sun. The garlic will keep for up to 3 years. [26] X Research source Check your garlic now and then to make sure no moisture has developed inside the container. [27] X Research source
- Test your dried garlic for freshness by crumbling it up and tasting or smelling it. If the flavor or aroma is weak, it’s past its peak quality. [28] X Research source
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Harvest garlic bulbs for drying when their leaves begin to turn yellow. Depending on the type of garlic and your climate, this usually occurs in late June or late July. [29] X Research source Wait until about 60% of the leaves are still green to loosen the soil underneath each bulb with a [7] and gently pull them out of the dirt. [30] X Research source
- Be gentle when removing garlic from the ground. If you pull too hard, injuries can form at the stem-bulb junction and get infected.
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Test if bulbs are ready for harvest by slicing one open. When you’re growing your own garlic and not sure if it’s picking time yet, dig up a single garlic bulb and cut it open sideways to reveal the cloves. If they seem loose and aren’t filling their wrappers, the garlic needs more time. [31] X Research source
- Remember that it’s usually better to harvest too soon rather than too late, especially in a wet year (your garlic bulbs might “pop” if they’re left too long).
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Remove loose dirt and debris from the bulbs. Shake or rub the bulbs gently with your hands to brush away loose dirt. Fresh bulbs bruise easily, so avoid banging bulbs on shovels or buckets to loosen dirt. Leave extra stubborn dirt to dry out during the curing process. [32] X Research source
- If needed, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to help remove dirt.
- Use damaged bulbs or those with exposed cloves right away instead of drying them.
- Since the cloves are protected by skin, there’s no need to wash your garlic. It’ll only add moisture and reduce the garlic’s shelf life.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI have in the past dried my garlic in the sun, but I read on a site that it is best to cure the garlic in shade and to use the garlic after curing for 2 months. Which is right?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerDrying garlic in the sun might result in sunscald (damage from excessive, direct sunlight), especially if you live in a hot, sunny area. To eliminate the risk of sun damage, it's best to cure garlic in a warm, dry, ventilated space in the shade.
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QuestionCan I dehydrate my previously peeled store-bought garlic cloves without slicing or grinding them?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYes, whole cloves can be dehydrated but it might take longer since the pieces are bigger. Dehydrate store-bought, peeled cloves within 48 hours of purchase for the best results.
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QuestionFor how long does it take a garlic bulb to completely dry up?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIt depends on the size of the garlic and the humidity level (they'll dry faster in low humidity). At minimum, it'll take 10 to 14 days. Larger bulbs might take up to 4 weeks or longer, especially if it's humid.
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Tips
- Store peeled, un-dried garlic cloves in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. [33] X Research sourceThanks
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Things You’ll Need
- Shears or scissors
- Drying rack (optional)
- Twine (optional)
- [8] (optional)
- Hooks (optional)
- [9] or [10] (optional)
- Mesh bag or loosely woven basket (optional)
Baking Garlic Cloves
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Airtight food storage container
- 2 metal bowls or a cocktail shaker (optional)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Dehydrator
- Airtight food storage container
- 2 metal bowls or a cocktail shaker (optional)
Harvesting Garlic Bulbs
References
- ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic#harvesting-868164
- ↑ https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/garlic-harvest-curing-storage
- ↑ https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2063e/#curing
- ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic#harvesting-868164
- ↑ https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/garlic-harvest-curing-storage
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a20707233/how-to-store-garlic/
- ↑ https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/garlic-harvest-curing-storage
- ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic#harvesting-868164
- ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C854&title=GarlicProductionfortheGardener#Storage
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-method-for-peeling-garlic-23085986
- ↑ https://youtu.be/zklBgd7idWU?t=41
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a20707233/how-to-store-garlic/
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dehydrating_onions_and_garlic
- ↑ https://youtu.be/zklBgd7idWU?t=98
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a20707233/how-to-store-garlic/
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dehydrating_onions_and_garlic
- ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17245
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dehydrating_onions_and_garlic
- ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17245
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-method-for-peeling-garlic-23085986
- ↑ https://youtu.be/zklBgd7idWU?t=41
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dehydrating_onions_and_garlic
- ↑ https://youtu.be/zklBgd7idWU?t=98
- ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/drying-foods/
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dehydrating_onions_and_garlic
- ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17245
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dehydrating_onions_and_garlic
- ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17245
- ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic#harvesting-868164
- ↑ https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/garlic-harvest-curing-storage
- ↑ https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/garlic-harvest-curing-storage
- ↑ https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/garlic-harvest-curing-storage
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a20707233/how-to-store-garlic/
About This Article
Article Summary
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You can dry garlic cloves quickly and easily using your oven. Start by separating a garlic bulb into individual cloves and peeling them. If you want larger garlic chips, cut each clove in half lengthwise. If you want to powder the garlic after you dry it, mince the cloves into small pieces. Spread the chopped cloves out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Heat your oven to the lowest possible setting. Ideally, this should be around 140 °F (60 °C), although many ovens don’t have a setting lower than 200 °F (93 °C). Depending on how low you can set your oven, it may take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours to dry out the garlic. Keep baking the garlic until the pieces snap easily when you try to break them. Grind the dried garlic into powder with a mortar and pestle or leave it in chip form. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark area. Your dried garlic should stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 years. To learn how to dry your garlic in a dehydrator, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Cutting off the roots and stalks once the garlic is cured. Would like to know how to braid it into a long line."
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"Cutting off the roots and stalks once the garlic is cured. Would like to know how to braid it into a long line."
"I liked the step by step pictures which were very helpful. Thanks!"
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