Not Sure How to Store Garlic? Try These Solutions

Garlic is an ingredient that most of us couldn’t cook without. It’s essential in most cultures, from Italian to Chinese cuisine. Because of that, we often have bulbs on hand for everyday recipes. And nothing sucks more than when you’re going to grab those flavorful cloves only to find out that they’ve gone bad. 

Whether your garlic has sprouted beyond return, grown some concerning mold or become dry and less fragrant, it’s a shame to throw it away. Luckily, you can prevent early spoilage with the right storage solutions, from garlic keepers to freezer containers. Garlic prefers a cool, dark and breathable environment so its gases and excess moisture don’t cause it to go bad fast. We found options to store peeled garlic, freeze it and more. If you want to know how to keep garlic cloves fresh for months, keep reading. 

Best Amazon Garlic Storage Solutions 

Henry Watson Garlic Keeper

This garlic keeper is perfect for storing two to three bulbs. It’s made of terracotta clay, which naturally absorbs moisture, making the material as efficient as it is cute. The keeper shields your unpeeled garlic from light but has just the right amount of built-in holes so the bulbs can breathe—a key storage factor for any allium, since they release ethylene gas.  Since you should keep all unpeeled garlic away from the sun and moisture, be sure to place this container in a dark counter spot or your pantry. 

Caxxa Countertop Wire Basket

A big wire basket’s wide, open shape makes grabbing ingredients a cinch and helps maintain an airy environment. Keep it in the pantry or kitchen cabinet so the garlic isn’t exposed to light. The round shape is ideal for storing garlic, onions and shallots. You can store these ingredients together, since they’re all alliums, but keep them separate from other produce. For the best results, I prefer not to stack too many items on top of one another so they can breathe. (I’ve learned the hard way.) 

Ball Wide Mouth Pint Mason Jars with Lids

We suggest storing peeled garlic cloves in oil, such as olive oil, believe it or not. You must keep this in the refrigerator; storing it at room temperature can increase your risk of botulism. Keeping the cloves in oil helps maintain the right amount of moisture because they’re prone to drying out quickly once you remove the skin. You can even use dry wine or vinegar. In the refrigerator, cloves stored in oil keep for up to seven days; cloves stored in wine or vinegar stay fresh for up to four months. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to make sure they show no signs of mold or yeast. Mason jars are a go-to for storing them since they seal nicely and are less likely to stain or hold onto odors.  

Glasslock 18-Piece Glass Container Set

The USDA recommends freezing garlic, especially if you choose to freeze it in vinegar or oil, with half an inch of headspace. These glass storage containers passed our freezer tests thanks to their multi-functional design. They’re freezer, oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe. The locking tab lids are durable and create an airtight seal, which is key for freezing. 

Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Snack Bag

You can also store peeled garlic cloves in an airtight storage bag from Stasher. Our team found that the thick silicone material is seemingly indestructible, and the zipper-like closure creates an airtight seal. Use them to store cloves for a day or so in the refrigerator or a month or two in the freezer. For longer freezing, you’ll likely want to wrap each clove individually, then pop them in a bag or glass container to prevent freezer burn.  

Organic Cotton Mart Reusable Cotton Mesh Produce Bag Set

These mesh bags work double duty: They can be used in the grocery store and to hang garlic bulbs in your pantry. The mesh is breathable, flexible and takes up minimal space. This set includes three 8-by-10-inch cotton bags, so you’ll have a few on hand to dedicate to different purposes or ingredients if need be.