Late Winter Is a Great Time to Check the Garlic in Your Pantry

February 18, 2025

How’s your garlic holding up?

This is the time of year when many people start to wonder if they did something wrong with their garlic storage. If you kept it cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight, you did the best you could! But even under ideal conditions, naturally grown garlic will naturally begin to break down over time. Some varieties simply don’t store as long as others. And if you still have garlic hanging around in your pantry, it’s likely getting the urge to grow—meaning you may see some sprouting.

 Garlic Storage Bags are so handy! Get yours here: Garlic Storage Bag

Rustic vs. Pretty Garlic Storage

We’ve noticed something interesting on our farm: when we store our garlic in its "rustic" form—meaning we leave the outer layers intact—it holds up better than when we remove a few layers to make it look prettier for sale. The extra protection seems to make a difference in longevity.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of rustic vs. cleaned-up garlic that we just pulled from storage:

Can You Still Use Sprouted Garlic?

Yes! If your garlic is sprouting, it’s still perfectly edible. The green shoot in the middle can taste slightly bitter, but you can remove it if you’d like. If the clove itself is firm and not mushy, go ahead and use it as usual.

If you notice some discoloration, just trim off the affected areas. However, if your garlic has a strong off-smell or feels soft and shriveled, it’s probably past its prime.

Freezing & Roasting Garlic for Longer Storage

If you have a lot of garlic left and don’t want to waste it, here are a few easy ways to preserve it:

1. Freeze Whole Cloves – Simply peel the garlic cloves and freeze them individually on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can grab what you need later. Don't forget to double bag- otherwise everything else in your freezer will taste like garlic! Another tip: froozen cloves grate easily with a box grater or microplane grater.
2. Chop & Freeze in Oil – Mince your garlic, mix it with a little olive oil, and smoosh it flat in a small freezer bag. Place small bag into a larger bag and freeze. This makes it super easy to break off a chunk and use for cooking.
3. Roast & Store – Roasting garlic deepens its flavor and makes it soft, sweet, and spreadable. Place whole heads of garlic in a muffin tin, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cover the tray with foil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30–40 minutes, until the cloves are golden and caramelized. Let them cool, then squeeze out the roasted cloves and store them in the fridge for up to a week—or freeze them for longer storage.

By keeping an eye on your stored garlic and using these simple preservation methods, you can make the most of your harvest and keep enjoying homegrown flavor well into the year!