Wondering how to store garlic properly? The best way to store garlic is to keep whole bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. NEVER in the fridge. Althought once peeled, store garlic cloves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-term storage. Learn how to store garlic bulbs, peeled cloves, chopped garlic, and even roasted garlic with expert-tested tips for maximum freshness and flavor.
Table of Contents
- The Garlic Storage Method I’ve Tested (and Re-Tested) Until It Was Perfect
- Why You Should Trust These Garlic Storage Tips
- The Best Way to Store Garlic (Whole Bulbs)
- How to Store Garlic Cloves (Peeled or Separated)
- How to Store Garlic in the Freezer (Long-Term Storage)
- Why I Love These Garlic Storage Methods
- How to Choose Garlic at the Store (Or Farmers Market)
- Variations: Storing Different Types of Garlic
- How to Store Leftovers (Chopped, Minced, or Roasted Garlic)
- Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Garlic
- Other Helpful Posts You Should Check Out
- Final Thoughts from My Kitchen
- Connect With Me
The Garlic Storage Method I’ve Tested (and Re-Tested) Until It Was Perfect
Garlic is one of those ingredients that’s always in my kitchen. It’s tucked into pasta sauces, rubbed on grilled bread, tossed into vinaigrettes… you name it. But for the longest time, I was storing garlic wrong! I was tossing it into the fridge in a plastic bag or keeping loose cloves rolling around in my crisper drawer (don’t do that!).
After years of recipe development and cooking at home daily, I’ve finally perfected how to store garlic for the long haul, whether it’s a full bulb from the market or a half-used clove on the cutting board. And unlike some tips floating around online, these methods have been tested in my own kitchen, day in and day out.
Why You Should Trust These Garlic Storage Tips
As a lifestyle and home entertaining expert, and a professional recipe developer for food brands, I’ve spent years developing easy, seasonal, flavor-packed recipes with simple ingredients, and garlic is one of my non-negotiables.
More than that, my readers come to me for everyday kitchen confidence. I don’t just share what works on paper, I share what works on a Tuesday night when dinner needs to get on the table and your garlic bulb is looking a little shriveled. This post combines expert-tested methods with real-life practicality, so you’ll know exactly how to store garlic no matter the form it’s in (fresh, peeled, chopped, roasted, or frozen).
The Best Way to Store Garlic (Whole Bulbs)
How to store fresh garlic bulbs:
- Store whole garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place with good airflow (like a mesh basket or paper bag).
- Keep them out of the fridge: cold temperatures will cause sprouting and alter the flavor.
- Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers: garlic needs ventilation to stay fresh.
Where I store mine
A ceramic garlic keeper or wire basket in my pantry, away from sunlight and heat sources. It keeps the garlic dry and allows air circulation, which is key for preventing mold and sprouting.
Shelf life
3 to 6 months, depending on the freshness and storage conditions.
How to Store Garlic Cloves (Peeled or Separated)
Once you’ve broken the bulb or peeled a few cloves, your storage options change:
How to store garlic cloves (unpeeled but separated)
- Keep them in a dry, breathable container on the counter.
- Use within 10 days, as they’ll begin to dry out or sprout.
How to store peeled garlic cloves
- Place in an airtight container or small glass jar.
- Cover with olive oil if desired to prevent oxidation.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Safety tip
If storing in oil, use within a few days and never keep at room temperature as this can create a risk of botulism. Always refrigerate garlic-in-oil mixtures.
How to Store Garlic in the Freezer (Long-Term Storage)
Need to store garlic for 6 months or more? Freezing is your best bet.
How to freeze garlic
- Whole peeled cloves: Spread on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
- Chopped garlic: Spoon into an ice cube tray, add olive oil if desired, and freeze. Pop out cubes as needed for cooking.
- Roasted garlic: Mash and freeze in small portions (I use silicone baby food molds).
Pro tip
Frozen garlic won’t be as crisp, but the flavor holds up well for soups, sauces, and sautés.
Why I Love These Garlic Storage Methods
Garlic is one of those magical ingredients that adds depth and flavor to almost every dish, but only when it’s fresh. When it’s not stored properly, it becomes bitter, sprouty, or moldy… and no one wants that in their pasta.
That’s why I’ve spent the time to test every method, because I believe that keeping just a few core ingredients fresh and ready can completely change the way you cook. And let’s be honest, when garlic is handled right, even the simplest meal feels special.
How to Choose Garlic at the Store (Or Farmers Market)
- Look for firm, tight bulbs with dry, papery skins.
- Avoid bulbs with green shoots, soft spots, or mold.
- Smaller bulbs often have more flavor, while larger ones are easier to peel.
Fun fact
Garlic stored in ideal conditions can last through the winter. YES, even up to a year. That’s why many gardeners and garlic lovers stock up at the end of harvest season and store for the colder months.
Variations: Storing Different Types of Garlic
Softneck Garlic
- Best for long-term storage.
- What you usually see braided, stores for months.
Hardneck Garlic
- Has fewer cloves and more flavor.
- Shorter shelf life, store up to 3 months.
Elephant Garlic
- Milder, larger cloves.
- Store like softneck garlic, it behaves more like a leek in flavor.
Expert Tips for Storing Garlic Like a Pro
Don’t refrigerate whole bulbs — it accelerates sprouting.
Use breathable storage containers — ceramic, mesh, or paper is best.
Don’t wash garlic before storing — moisture encourages mold.
Label frozen garlic with the date — use within 6 months for best flavor.
Don’t store near potatoes — both release moisture and can cause early spoilage.
How to Store Leftovers (Chopped, Minced, or Roasted Garlic)
- Minced garlic: Use within 24–48 hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Roasted garlic: Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Blended garlic: Mix with olive oil and freeze in cubes.
Make ahead tip
Roast several heads of garlic at once and freeze in tablespoon-sized portions for effortless flavor boosts in future recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Garlic
Q: How do I store fresh garlic bulbs at home?
Keep bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid the fridge or sealed containers.
Q: How long does garlic last in the fridge?
Peeled garlic cloves can last up to a week. Whole bulbs should not be refrigerated.
Q: What’s the best container to store garlic?
Use breathable containers like mesh bags, baskets, or a ceramic garlic keeper.
Q: Can you freeze garlic?
Yes! Garlic cloves, chopped garlic, and roasted garlic can all be frozen for up to 6 months.
Q: Can I store garlic in oil?
Only in the fridge, and use within a few days. Never store garlic-in-oil at room temperature.
Other Helpful Posts You Should Check Out
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen
Garlic might be a humble pantry staple, but when you know how to store it properly, it stays fresher longer, and your meals taste better because of it.
Whether you’re preserving garlic for a weeknight dinner or stocking up after a farmers market haul, these tested methods will help you keep garlic fresh and flavorful, from bulb to clove to roasted mash.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from developing recipes over the years, it’s that a little prep goes a long way. So grab that garlic bulb, give it a dry, cozy home and let it shine in your next simple, elevated recipe.
Happy cooking!
Connect With Me
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Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
