How to store peeled garlic at home

Cleaning time

Let's start with the most important component - timely cleaning. It should be borne in mind that garlic is divided into:

Spring garlic is summer garlic (some call it autumn garlic). He doesn't shoot. Yellowed and fallen leaves are considered a signal to start harvesting.

As a rule, spring garlic is harvested in the second half of August.

Winter - winter garlic. There are shooters and non-shooters.

The ripening period of winter garlic can be determined by the following characteristics:

the skin of the inflorescences cracks;
the lower leaves turned yellow;
the scales of the bulbs became thin and dry.

The approximate harvest time for winter garlic is the end of July.

So your garlic is showing clear signs of ripeness. If the weather is dry and warm, start cleaning.

You should not delay harvesting, otherwise you risk getting a product of reduced quality that will not be stored well. Signs of overripe garlic:

the scales covering the bulb have burst;
the heads fall apart into cloves;
young roots appeared on the bottom of the bulb.

Tip: If you damage the bulb during harvesting, do not leave it in storage.

Storing garlic for home storage

This vegetable can be called a record holder for long-term storage. If certain conditions are met, it lasts well all winter and we can use it until the new harvest.

In order for garlic to be stored well, you need to properly prepare it. Already during harvesting, you should pay attention to important points that will have a direct impact on quality storage:

optimal collection time. The heads harvested in time do not fall apart into cloves and are suitable for storage. Typically, gardeners grow two types - spring (or summer) and winter (or winter). Spring garlic is harvested when its leaves not only turn yellow, but also begin to fall to the ground. This usually happens in the first or second ten days of August. Readiness for winter harvesting is determined by the following signs: yellowing of the leaves and bursting of the skin of the inflorescences. The approximate time for harvesting winter garlic is the end of July;

The signal for harvesting winter garlic is the straightening and cracking of the skin of the inflorescence on the control specimen.
It is necessary to remove the heads of garlic carefully, trying not to damage them. The plant is not pulled out of the ground, but dug out with a pitchfork or shovel. The earth is removed from the heads by hand. Do not shake the ground by knocking the heads against each other or other objects. Damaged heads are only suitable for recycling and will not be stored for a long time;
The dug crop must be thoroughly dried, hung together with the leaves in a dry, ventilated place with the heads down. In this case, the nutrients found in the leaves and stem will enter the head and improve its taste. Under favorable conditions, the drying time is at least 3–5 days;

Dry the garlic for about a week and only then trim it
During the sorting of garlic, hollow, damaged (with scratches, peeled off skins, etc.), as well as heads with signs of damage to any disease (spots, growths, etc.) are rejected and divided into groups by size.

For long-term storage, select large heads of garlic, which are better stored

Summer varieties have a higher shelf life than winter ones. This is due to the number of covering scales: winter crops have much fewer of them, so they dry out faster when they lose moisture, and can also begin to mold or rot at high humidity and air temperature. Therefore, part of the winter garlic harvest is used for autumn planting, part is processed and a small amount is stored for use first. Usually winter crops are stored well until the New Year, then they begin to sprout and deteriorate.

Winter garlic (left) differs from spring garlic (right) in the presence of a strong stem, the number and size of cloves, and their location

Conditions of preservation

The main factors that affect the preservation of garlic are:

temperature. The optimal storage temperature for winter garlic is from -2 to 2 degrees. Higher temperatures may cause fruits to begin to germinate. At lower temperatures it will freeze. Significant temperature fluctuations lead to garlic losing its taste and beneficial properties. Spring grain can be stored at a higher temperature (but not higher than 20 degrees);
air humidity. It should not exceed 80%. High humidity will cause the cloves to rot. If the storage location is too dry, that is, the air humidity is less than 50%, then the garlic will begin to dry out;
illumination. It is better to store the harvest in a dark place. When storing in light, it is important to avoid exposing the heads to direct sunlight;
air access. Excessive air access will cause the heads to dry out, so it is best to store the vegetable in open containers or boxes or canvas bags.

We suggest you read: What fertilizers to apply when planting garlic in the fall

Garlic is a unique plant that is unpretentious to storage conditions. It can be perfectly preserved all winter, both warm and cold.

However, there are still limitations:

when stored warm, the optimal temperature is from 15 to 20 ° C;
Cold storage is possible at temperatures from 2 to 4 °C.

The storage location should not be excessively dry, as the garlic may dry out. Too high humidity is also unacceptable, as the garlic will begin to rot.

However, humidity can range from 50 to 80%, which is a fairly wide range.

How to remove garlic

They dig with a shovel or a pitchfork (I prefer a pitchfork - this way the bulbs are less damaged), and lay them out to dry.

How to process garlic after digging.

After digging up the garlic, lay it out on the garden bed to dry for four to five hours. At this time, you can remove the adhering clods of earth from the heads carefully with your hands.

Do I need to wash garlic after digging?

There is no need to wash after digging. During the process of drying and storing it, the head of garlic becomes clean.

Drying garlic after digging.

After the garlic has dried in the garden, we remove it to dry for three to four weeks. Garlic is most often dried in the attic, where it is dry and there is no direct sunlight. A shed with the same conditions as in an attic is also suitable for drying garlic.

Should I trim garlic after digging?

There is no need to trim the garlic immediately after digging; trimming is needed in preparation for storage for the winter. If you do not braid garlic, then the tops need to be cut to 10–12 cm. When storing garlic in 3-liter jars, cut the tops shorter.

Trimming garlic roots.

We trim the roots of the garlic after it is completely dry after cleaning it from the attic or shed. For better storage, after trimming, the bottom of the garlic is burned with fire using matches or a candle. After cauterizing the roots, many gardeners dip the bottom in paraffin or wax for better storage.

Garlic storage temperature

Warm storage: +16°С…+20°С - optimal conditions for spring garlic.

Cold storage: +2°C....+4°C - the most favorable conditions for winter garlic. Winter garlic is poorly adapted to long-term storage: it is more often affected by various diseases and loses moisture.

The storage location should not be too dry (the garlic will dry out) and not too damp (the garlic will be susceptible to disease): optimal humidity is 50-80%.

This is important: bulbs with 3 covering scales have very good shelf life.

Choice of location and container

Garlic is a record holder among garden plants for long-term storage methods.

What and how is it stored: in bags, in jars, etc. At the same time, it is able to lie all winter and even until the new harvest. Garlic will last until spring, both in warm and cold weather. The shelf life of different methods differs slightly.

How to properly store garlic in an apartment? Where to store garlic in winter in an apartment? You can store garlic in several places:

in the cellar (subfield);
in a refrigerator;
in any dry room;
on an insulated loggia or balcony.

By the way, in the refrigerator, especially if you have more than one refrigerator, but for example, a refrigerator and a freezer, you can successfully store pumpkin, broccoli or cauliflower.

How to store garlic in a city apartment? The ideal place to store garlic in an apartment in winter is the underground, so if the house is private, there is most likely such a place.

Garlic stores well in the refrigerator, but it takes up space. This is not always convenient, but if there are no other options, the refrigerator is a salvation.

Read about how to prepare bitter red chili and bell pepper for storage in the refrigerator in separate materials on our website.

Garlic is stored in boxes, braids, stockings at room temperature in any dry place. The loggia is also suitable for storing garlic in three-liter jars or boxes, if it is glazed and insulated.

Common options for containers and containers for storing garlic at home:

Boxes. Garlic is not peeled, whole heads are placed in suitable boxes.
Depending on the housewife's preferences, it is sprinkled with flour or salt. It is better to use plywood boxes; they must have slots or holes for air to pass through. It is recommended to store onion sets in boxes.
Baskets. One of the simple ways to preserve garlic in the winter at home.
Place the garlic heads in baskets and store them at home. Weaving the basket creates a constant possibility of air circulation. Fresh apples will also do well in baskets in apartment conditions.
Nylon tights or stockings. “Grandma’s” method of storing garlic at home in winter. It has been used for a long time, but is still relevant.
Small gaps between the weaving of the nylon allow air to pass through, which gives the garlic the opportunity to survive all winter.
Stockings are hung higher on nails. This saves space in the apartment, and the garlic is stored for a long time. Onions are often stored in stockings.
Jars. How to properly store garlic at home for the winter in jars?
Both unpeeled and peeled garlic are placed in three-liter jars. It is kept there in its pure form, in salt and oil. Banks are placed in the refrigerator or on the balcony. Depending on the contents, they are kept open or covered with plastic lids. Dried rose hips are also stored in jars for winter storage.
Braids. Some people prefer to leave the garlic unpacked.
The solution is storage in braids. Using a rope or twine, the garlic stalks are intertwined. Such a braid can be not only a way to preserve garlic, but also a wonderful addition to the interior. By the way, everyone has probably seen onion braids at least once in their life; they are woven for proper drying of vegetables.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with: Cucumber ring salad for the winter

Regardless of storage method, garlic must be perfectly dried. The storage place must be dry, otherwise moisture ingress can lead to spoilage of all garlic.

Everyone knows that garlic is an excellent seasoning. Did you know that it is also used for other purposes.

Read in detail about how to use garlic to get rid of spider mites on indoor flowers.

According to its characteristics, garlic holds the record for shelf life. It is stored both warm and cold, and the timing does not change much.

To understand how to store garlic in a city apartment, you need to understand the storage location and packaging (container).

Box. There is no need to peel garlic in a box; whole heads should be placed in boxes and sprinkled with salt or flour if desired. It is best to use wooden boxes, and they should have slits for air to pass through for the garlic.
Storage in baskets. This is the simplest container and one of the easiest ways to preserve garlic. Due to the weaving, air constantly circulates in the basket. This has a beneficial effect on storing vegetables.
Stockings or tights. Our grandmothers used this method. But it still remains popular for storing garlic in homes. Due to the small gaps, air enters the tights, and the garlic can survive the winter remarkably well. Knitted tights are hung on nails, thereby saving space in the apartment.
Banks. In such a container you can store both peeled and unpeeled garlic. It can be placed in a jar in its pure form, with salt or oil, and depending on the contents, it can be closed with a plastic lid or left open. Garlic in a jar can be placed in the refrigerator or on the balcony.
Without container. If you don't want to store garlic in boxes, jars, baskets or other containers, braids are a good option. With this method, the garlic must be well dried and constantly kept in a dry place. The heads are woven with feathers and twine or rope. This option will not only allow you to store garlic for a long time, but will also be a wonderful element of decor for your apartment.

If you don’t yet know or haven’t decided where to store garlic in your apartment, here are some of the best options:

loggia or balcony. Suitable for storing garlic in jars or boxes if the premises are insulated;
cellar or underground Don't know how to store garlic in your apartment in winter? An underground floor would be an ideal option. There is moderate humidity, good air permeability, and garlic will not lose its properties in the spring;
any dry place. Garlic will be perfectly preserved in braids, drawers or tights;
fridge. Many people ask, is it possible to store garlic in the refrigerator? In principle, this device is being considered as an option. Garlic keeps well in the cold. If it doesn’t bother you in the refrigerator and doesn’t take up much space, then you can store it there too.

ATTENTION: Even with ideal preparation of the product, it is not possible to store the fruits of this plant for more than six months. It would be advisable to prepare only the volume of product that the family can consume in six months.

You can use almost any place and container to store garlic, but you should pay careful attention to the preparation of the presented elements. For example, if garlic will be stored in a cellar, then you need to clean the room from dust and dirt and get rid of the pests present there.

If we talk about containers, then, if possible, it is worth changing the dishes annually.

In braids, buns

This method of storing garlic is one of the oldest and looks quite beautiful. The essence of storage is that a braid is woven from several garlic shoots holding the head of the plant.

On the grid

Previously, the product described was stored in bags made of natural fabric, but today this can be done using a mesh. For additional effect, garlic heads can be additionally treated with paraffin. The presented storage method is suitable for small quantities of product.

In salt

Salt increases the shelf life of garlic, but dries out the plant a little.

In order to store the plant in this way, you need to prepare the container and make sure that the garlic is also sufficiently prepared. The heads should not be placed too close to each other - you need to provide them with some space. Next, you should completely cover the food product with salt.

In flour

Flour has properties similar to salt, and to store garlic using it, you need to follow these steps:

You need to take a bowl or glass jar;
Flour is poured into the prepared dishes, and then garlic is laid out. The steps are repeated until the top of the container;
The jar can be rolled up or closed with a tight lid.

In the process of laying out garlic, you need to make sure that the heads of the plant do not touch each other.

In the ash

Ash can be the best way to combat rot and other unpleasant processes inside fruits. This method was used by our distant ancestors, and it still does not lose its relevance.

In onion skins

Onion peels have an antibacterial effect, which prevents the development of diseases and plant rotting. To store garlic in this way, place it in a container and cover it with onion peels.

Only small amounts of garlic can be stored this way.

In cling film

Both peeled garlic and peeled garlic can be preserved in cling film until spring. It is worth packing the food product in cling film in such a way as to block the access of air to the fruit as much as possible. Next, the plant should be placed in the refrigerator.

In paraffin

In order to increase the shelf life of a plant using paraffin, it is necessary to use a spray bottle and use it to treat the root crops. You should not use too much paraffin, as the garlic will have a strong specific odor.

In sterile jars

Under the condition of almost complete sterility, the long-term preservation of any food product, not just garlic, can be guaranteed. To sterilize jars at home, it’s enough to use a kettle and water, as we rarely did. You can also use special devices - sterilizers.

In a fabric bag

Preference should be given to bags made of natural fabrics, which can then be suspended in the air, to protect the crop from rodents and beetles, which can “attack” the food product if it is left on the floor. A small amount of product should be placed in bags, since the more fruits in the bag, the shorter their shelf life.

Ground

In the dried, ground state, the above food product can be comfortably stored for several years. Moreover, in this state, garlic does not take up much space. To use the product in this form, it can be immediately added to the dish or first soaked in water.

Ways to store garlic at home

Braids. We always braid garlic: we leave the false stem and bulb, and remove the leaves. To make the product durable, we also weave in twine. Make a loop at the end of the braid.

The braid can be hung in the closet, in the pantry, and in the basement. The main thing is that it is dark, cool, and not too damp.

In bunches. In my opinion, the best way to store garlic is in bunches (I also call them brooms).

I leave the stems long enough to tie them together into a mini-broom of sorts. And I hang it in the corridor - right up to the ceiling.

Storage in nets. During storage, it is advisable to check the garlic for spoiled heads.

I like to hang the garlic nets rather than lay them down.

Wicker baskets. Grandmother stores onions and garlic in wicker birch bark baskets in the attic or in the entryway (a cool room in front of the entrance to the living part of the house). Such containers, as practice shows, have a positive effect on the preservation of garlic.

My mother is far from braiding hair and storing garlic in wicker baskets, so (at her own risk) she tried a different method.

Storage in sterilized jars. Clean, not peeled, well-dried garlic is placed in glass jars (previously sterilized), sprinkling the heads with coarse salt.

The method met my mother’s hopes: the salt prevented diseases from reaching the crop.

Storage in wooden boxes with salt. Instead of cans, you can use shallow wooden boxes.

Important: Use only coarse salt!

Storage in linen bags. Some people store the precious product in linen bags. Depending on the air humidity, the garlic heads can be sprinkled with onion peels (low humidity) or rinsed in a concentrated solution of table salt (high humidity), then dried, and then put into a bag.

This treatment helps protect the bulbs from pests and diseases.

Tip: Store garlic separately from other vegetables.

Dry storage

Garlic cloves are chopped into thin circles and dried. They can be placed in glass containers or bags. At the same time, you should not roll up the lids of the jars.

Similar garlic chips are used when preparing soups and meat dishes. Their aroma and properties are completely preserved.

Storing in jars, regardless of your preferred method, is great for those who don't have a basement or space to hang garlic braids.

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Comments (5)

Nina October 24, 2020 at 12:45 pm
And I always wrap 2 pieces of garlic in cling film. and in the locker on the balcony. Can be in a basket or cardboard box. Stored until new harvest.
Answer
na3a Oct 24, 2020 at 9:10 am
Every year we store garlic in the kitchen, under the table, in three-liter jars, it is stored until spring without problems. We also tried it in the refrigerator, but it spoils quickly. I think the variety of garlic is Gribovsky, we bought it for seeds a long time ago, we propagate it in bulbs and always have a very good harvest.
Answer
Birdie October 22, 2020 at 03:03 pm
It’s as if the author deliberately chose the most troublesome ways to store garlic. Why fool yourself and others? There is no need to cut the bottom like that - “to the meat”. Of course, such garlic will not be stored. You just need to remove the dried roots. I have garlic in a basket all winter, and the basket is in an unheated outbuilding. You will say that the garlic will freeze. But this is the whole point - it is not afraid of frost (of course, we are talking about winter garlic). I bring the head into the house, and it’s fresh after thawing. That's all! In the city you can safely use a loggia.
Answer
Irene October 16, 2020 at 03:18 pm
what nonsense! the method with three-liter jars was carried out for several years in different versions, the result was that the garlic was thrown away, dried out within 1-2, maximum 3 months. The only method tested in practice was the bottom shelf of the refrigerator (not in the vegetable drawer, but on the shelf!) in plastic containers without a lid. A prerequisite is that it must be dry! and in the refrigerator the same is dry (without thawing)
Answer

Possible problems when storing garlic

Often, while observing all the conditions for harvesting and storing garlic, we notice mold on the bulbs or find dried heads, or suddenly discover that the garlic has taken root. How to avoid this?

Mold

Black rot or green mold appears primarily on damaged or frostbitten bulbs. And if the temperature and humidity in the room are high, the “green plague” quickly seizes more and more new heads.

Drying in the sun helps prevent this problem (direct sunlight is harmful to fungi, mold and bacteria): garlic acquires some immunity, which helps it resist disease.

Drying

Occurs when moisture evaporates from garlic. Dip the bulbs in melted paraffin: a protective layer is formed that will retain moisture inside and become a protection against diseases. During the process of respiration, the stem releases carbon dioxide, which will accumulate in the bulb, destroying pathogens.

Premature root growth

To avoid this problem, many housewives “sear” the bottom before storing it. Well, if the garlic has already taken root, then peel the cloves and place them in sunflower oil. You can take them out as needed, and you’ll also get aromatic garlic oil! We store garlic in the refrigerator this way for about 4 months: the oil is amazingly tasty, and I wasn’t particularly impressed with raw garlic (but can be used for cooking).

To store garlic in oil you will need:

sterile container (jar, bottle with a wide neck);
peeled garlic cloves;
vegetable oil: olive, sunflower, flaxseed.

Place the garlic in a container, add olive (or any other) oil, seal it, and put it in the refrigerator.

How to store peeled garlic?

Food preparations do not lose their relevance. Despite technical progress and the latest technologies in the field of nutrition, we still love pickles and preserves, canned and fresh vegetables. Moreover, the rhythm of modern life does not always leave time for shopping, and home supplies come in very handy. Well, you can’t run to the market for a head of garlic if the recipe only calls for a couple of cloves! It is much more convenient to save the peeled garlic for next time. Don't let the pungent smell bother you - it won't exist if you store peeled garlic correctly.

It is more convenient and easier to store whole garlic; you can stock it for the whole winter and not have to worry about it.
But you can also save peeled garlic for the winter if you know a few rules. Our grandmothers coped with this task easily, and we are in a privileged position as owners of kitchen appliances. What could be easier than storing peeled garlic in the refrigerator! However, not all young housewives succeed even in this. And we are already rushing to their aid with the best and effective recipes for storing garlic at home. Is it possible to store peeled garlic?
How long does peeled garlic last? The storage capabilities and conditions of different vegetables directly depend on their composition. In order to not act at random and understand the essence of the technology, let's figure out what determines the shelf life of garlic. This will help you choose and buy garlic heads and cloves suitable for storage:

Garlic is planted and harvested twice a year; accordingly, a distinction is made between spring and winter garlic. Growing in the cold season and harvested in the spring, winter garlic usually does not last until the new cold weather. Therefore, it is better to preserve fresh spring garlic for the winter.
The chemical composition of garlic is extremely rich. In addition to plant fibers, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, garlic contains biologically active esters and phytoncides, which have a powerful antiseptic and antifungal effect. This property not only ensures the preservation of garlic, but also makes it a natural preservative for storing other products.
Fresh, high-quality garlic is more likely to wilt and/or dry out than to spoil, and this must be taken into account when storing it. There is no point in simply putting fresh cloves in the refrigerator or cupboard, where they will not last long and will soon become flabby and unusable.

You can store peeled garlic in the refrigerator if you are using it in the foreseeable future. In this case, expect that the cloves of the divided head of garlic will remain fresh for only 3-4 days. A whole head of garlic will keep in good shape for a couple of months. But even this is too little if you need to preserve garlic for the whole winter. How to store peeled garlic in winter?
Storing whole garlic is a win-win. But we are not looking for easy ways, and it’s a pity to throw away good, fresh, but already cut vegetables. And don’t throw them away: first try to save them in one form or another:

Garlic in jars with flour.
Prepare the required number of glass jars, the most common ones, with plastic or screw-on lids. Sterilize the jars with boiling water or hot steam, in the microwave or oven, dry and cool. Place garlic in the bottom of the jar and sprinkle dry flour on top, making sure it is not infested with bugs. By the way, this method of storing garlic also serves to store flour, because garlic phytoncides reliably protect it from pests. Close the jars with lids and place in a dry place at room temperature or slightly cooler.
Fresh garlic with salt.
Table and/or sea salt is a natural preservative that preserves the freshness and all the properties of garlic. To store it, you will need a food storage box or container that is clean and free of holes. Cover the bottom of the container with a layer of coarse salt, place the garlic tightly on top of the salt, and add a little more salt on top of the garlic. Alternate layers of garlic and salt as the box fills. Then put it in a dry pantry or put it in a closet, if the workpieces there will not be damaged by moisture and high temperature.
Garlic cloves in oil.
The most difficult, but the most delicious and refined method. Ideal for split and fully peeled garlic. You will again need a sterile jar, as well as an appropriate amount of vegetable oil (sunflower, olive or any other). Place the garlic cloves in a jar and fill with oil. Add dried herbs, peppercorns and/or other spices if desired. Take out the oiled slices as needed and use them without wasting time on cleaning them. The remaining oil will acquire a piquant aroma and will be an excellent salad dressing.
Pickled garlic in wine.
A variation on the theme of Mediterranean cuisine: place the peeled garlic cloves in a glass bottle with a not too narrow neck and completely fill it with dry wine, red or white, it doesn’t matter. This potion will have to be stored in the refrigerator, capping the bottle. Wine can be replaced with natural undiluted vinegar, but in this case, when cooking, take into account the pungency and strong taste of the marinade.
Garlic salt
is useful as an all-purpose seasoning with the vibrant aroma of fresh garlic. To prepare it, dry the peeled garlic and chop it in any convenient way (in a blender, coffee grinder or just a sharp knife). For each tablespoon of chopped garlic, take 1 tablespoon of salt and any dried herbs (dill, basil, celery, etc.), mix and pass everything together through a sieve or rub well with your hands. Store in a dry jar with a tightly closed lid.
Frozen garlic.
You can freeze both whole and chopped peeled garlic cloves. A clean freezer bag, special container or cooking foil is suitable for this purpose. Place the garlic in it and place it in the lowest temperature compartment of the freezer. As needed, remove individual cloves and defrost them or break off a little at a time from the frozen garlic mass.

Garlic puree is one way to preserve peeled garlic, but it is more of a cooked sauce than garlic as a raw material. However, save this recipe just in case. Grind the peeled garlic cloves into a paste using a blender or crusher. Place in a mixer bowl and add double the extra virgin olive oil. Mix until smooth and put the puree in the refrigerator. The oil will not freeze, so the garlic puree will always be ready to use. How to properly store peeled garlic?
The described methods seem simple, but they may not work if you inadvertently violate some of the rules for storing peeled garlic. There are not many of these rules, but every housewife should know them:

Harvest only impeccably high-quality and fresh garlic, without the slightest hint of signs of rot, rot and/or other damage.
Even properly prepared garlic can deteriorate in the heat, so check its condition regularly and, without regret, throw away cloves that show signs of mold damage.
Do not store fresh, not frozen garlic in a plastic bag or film at room temperature without access to air. In such conditions, condensation will quickly accumulate on the film, promoting the development of mold.

Compliance with these precautions will allow you to preserve peeled garlic in the winter and not lose its beneficial properties, which are so important during the time of colds and the danger of acute respiratory infections. Let there always be healthy garlic in your home, which will protect you from diseases, evil forces and any misfortunes. Be healthy!

Storing garlic in the apartment

In the apartment we are surrounded on all sides by heating and heating appliances, but it is still possible to preserve the garlic, obtained with such difficulty at the dacha. Choose a place for it away from radiators and fireplaces: a cool pantry, a refrigerator, an unheated but insulated balcony (so that the garlic does not freeze) will do.

From personal experience, I can say that the surest option not to be left without garlic in winter is to store it in several ways. What method do you use to preserve garlic richness until spring?