How to Keep Garlic Fresh for Longer

Properly storing garlic is a simple yet effective way to preserve its flavor, aroma, and potency over time — and no one wants to deal with subpar garlic. Here’s a complete guide on how to store whole bulbs, peeled cloves, and minced garlic to maintain their peak quality.

How Long Can Garlic Stay Fresh?

The shelf life of garlic depends on how it's stored and whether it's been peeled. A whole, unpeeled garlic bulb can last up to six months, while an unpeeled clove separated from the bulb will stay fresh for about three weeks.

Once garlic is peeled, it should be used within a week. If you chop or mince it, plan to use it immediately — it’ll only last about 24 hours in the fridge at best.

How Can You Tell If Garlic Has Gone Bad?

To check the quality of an unpeeled garlic bulb, give it a gentle squeeze. If it feels firm, it’s still good to use. If it’s soft, it may be past its prime.

Another sign that garlic is no longer good is its color. Peeled garlic cloves should be white, not yellow. Any discoloration indicates that the garlic is beginning to spoil.

Garlic Storage Tips

How to Store Whole Garlic Bulbs

Keep the garlic bulb whole for as long as possible. Once you start peeling it, the garlic’s shelf life will decrease significantly.

The ideal place to store a whole garlic bulb is in a cool, dry, and dark environment — but not in the fridge. Instead, choose a spot closer to room temperature, ideally between 60°F and 65°F. If that’s not feasible, trust your judgment and keep it in a well-ventilated area, like a pantry.

If possible, pick a place with good airflow. Avoid sealing garlic in a drawer or plastic bag. If you must use a bag, opt for paper or mesh as they allow better ventilation.

How to Store Peeled Garlic

Peeled garlic requires a different approach. Whether you’ve peeled an entire bulb or just a few cloves, refrigeration is your best option. Store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag and place it in the fridge. While it may lose some of its potency after a few days, it will stay usable for about a week.

How to Store Chopped or Minced Garlic

Did you end up chopping more garlic than needed for a recipe? You can preserve the extra by mixing it with olive oil, sealing it in an airtight container, and storing it in the fridge for up to a week. However, don't keep it longer than that: Fresh garlic in oil can be a breeding ground for botulism, according to the USDA (pre-minced garlic from the store is treated with preservatives to keep it safe longer). For more details on prepping garlic ahead of time, check out our guide on storing homemade minced garlic.

Freezing Garlic

Can Garlic Be Frozen?

Yes, garlic can definitely be frozen. It’s an excellent way to preserve bulbs you don't plan to use right away. However, to maintain its flavor and texture, you'll need to follow a few straightforward steps.

How to Freeze Garlic

Garlic can be frozen whether it's whole, peeled, or minced:

• To freeze whole garlic heads: Place the heads into a freezer-safe bag, label with the date, and freeze.
• To freeze peeled garlic cloves: Peel and separate all garlic cloves, then spread them evenly across a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap, then freeze overnight. Wrap the frozen cloves in foil, seal in a freezer-safe bag labeled with the date, then freeze again.
• To freeze chopped or minced garlic: Peel and separate all garlic cloves, then finely and evenly mince them (use a food processor if you're freezing in bulk). Coat with oil, then spread the garlic paste over a lined baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet and freeze overnight. Cut the frozen sheet of garlic paste into evenly sized chunks, seal in a freezer-safe bag labeled with the date, then freeze again.

Note: Be sure to freeze garlic mixed with oil immediately after preparing it. Leaving it at room temperature for too long can pose a risk of botulism.

More About Garlic

• How to Roast Garlic 5 Easy Ways
• What Is a Clove of Garlic?
• What's the Difference Between Fresh Garlic, Jarred Garlic, Garlic Powder, and Garlic Salt?
• Garlic vs. Purple Garlic: What's the Difference
• 10 Recipes That Prove Garlic Butter Makes Everything Better