I love buying those jars of whole peeled garlic cloves in the produce section, but how to extend shelf life?

Question

Often times some of the cloves start to mold before I can get to them. Is there a way to make them last longer, like by freezing or anything?

I cook a lot, from scratch, but peeling garlic cloves is one of my least favorite kitchen chores.

Answer 1

You can freeze them whole or chopped in little ziplock bags . Or fill garlic in a screwtop jar then pour olive oil over until they're covered .Close the jar and keep in the fridge . A bit messy to chop but you get great tasting oil to pour over your salad .

Answer 2

That happened to me too, twice. The first time, I bought the garlic whole and peeled in the jar. It went moldy. The second time I bought fresh shallots and used them the next day. 2 out of 3 were moldy. I got a refund for the shallots.

I started buying the minced or chopped garlic in the smaller jars. They don't go bad at all.

Answer 3

If you buy fresh garlic..... which lasts forever try this. Take the clove and smash down with the side of a heavy knife. You can just pick out the garlic bulb.

Answer 4

You don't use them fast enough??? My husband and I go through a 2 pound jar every two weeks! :)

Either use a bit more garlic (I don't trust recipes that call for only one clove), or when you think you're not going to use them up, roast it and make a spread or dip or dressing. Mmmm.

Answer 5

You need to keep them in your frig.I reccomend you try fresh garic bulbs for best flavor.The smaller the bulb the more flavor it will have.I've worked in produce dept. for 11years and learned alot, from pep buying and pep selling.Fresh is always best.Just buy what you need when you need it.