Tips for Curing and Preserving Garlic

[@ctimms417]

When my garlic starts to dry out towards the end of winter, I peel and chop up the remaining cloves and then mix it with some olive oil and then freeze them in 1 tsp blobs. That way, I can just throw a blob or 2 into what I'm cooking to still enjoy my summer's garlic. I don't find the flavour is affected negatively. Lee Valley sells a little mini freezer tray specifically for garlic that has a lid to keep the odour from permeating other foods in the freezer. It works really well but freezing the garlic/olive oil mixture in blobs on waxed paper and then putting the frozen blobs into a freezer bag once they're frozen works too.

[@GimmeADream]

I'm 70 and planning a coldroom. But I'm doing it as an investment in the price of the homestead for when I or my son decides to sell, just like I'm putting a food forest/ permaculture orchard. It isn't for me and doesn't necessarily have fruits that I like but I'm betting it will increase the property value. I'm also slowly adding to my asparagus 'orchard' each year for the same reason. Maybe I'll do a limited upick next year. Right now there is about 200 feet of mature spears. You know, this is the first year I have tasted asparagus, lol. Surprisingly so I and my son love it. Same with Tay/tae berries and thornless blackberries in rows which are growing and producing and multiplying like weeds. I don't know of any asparagus or tayberry or even blackberry upicks. But I'm sure adding another sustainable income property asset won't hurt the sale price. I pulled my garlic the other day so this video has popped up at the exact right time. Thanks! My intention is to freeze dry and dehydrate two-thirds and replant the rest for next year which should double or triple my harvest next year. If I need fresh I can buy it as needed.

[@79PoisonBreaker]

I use a wicker box now, to store my garlic, it works really well. My issue used to be drying out over winter as here on the prairies winter is super dry.

[@gregbluefinstudios4658]

I do abt 3 days outside, but then, a little less humid than the Maritimes. but basically, similar drying and curing them.

[@sandracurrie5904]

Thank you for the informative video!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelboom7704]

I found my unheated back room too cold for the garlic and onions so I need to find a better plan for the colder period and the garlic started sprouting before done.

[@sqeekable]

Could you add a comment about how you preserve the large bulbs you put aside for next year seed garlic?

[@maritimegardening4887]

Good question. I leave them in an open box on the floor of the garage. I put a cloth on top pf the box. I check them for signs of mold/mildew the first few weeks just to be sure everything's OK.

[@phyconinga]

@@sqeekable since you are going to plant them this year (October/november for us in Western NY, it should be pretty easy to keep them that long without any problems.)

[@sqeekable]

@@maritimegardening4887 good point!

[@phyconinga]

I grow about 150 heads, Ive kept them in 5gal buckets in my pantry which is very cool in the winter (45-50 degrees f) it holds too much moisture at the bottom and they start growing roots and will sprout sooner (maybe January). I tried pulling some of those out and puting it into a berlap bag after that but it didnt seem like it worked well, after they started growing then drying out again they just sort of got really mushy. I will try the box method and see.

[@TUKByV1]

I'm jealous.

[@jen1396]

What temperature do you keep that fridge at? Regular, 4 degrees or so?

[@maritimegardening4887]

It's at the "normal" setting - whatever that is :)

[@gregrodger8978]

How cold is your fridge set to? Was thinking of this solution for potatoes but not sure if it would be warm enough?

[@maritimegardening4887]

I think its somewhere between 5-8C

[@sqeekable]

Hiya, placing Vesey garlic order now, is your discount code good this year?

[@maritimegardening4887]

it's good until the end of Nov - and thanks!

[@franksinatra1070]

That's a nice looking crop of garlic. Mine cured ok in the shed this year but my onions went soft and moldy on me. It got so hot down here this summer it was like curing them in an oven. I don't want to put all those onions in the basement because of the smell so next year I'm thinking of putting up a mini poy tunnel in the shade and hanging them in there to shelter them from rain with a solar powered fan to help with airflow. What do you think of that idea?

[@maritimegardening4887]

Why would the poly tunnel be cooler than your shed?

[@franksinatra1070]

@@maritimegardening4887 Because I can leave the ends open for airflow in the tunnel where the shed doors need to be closed most of the time to keep animals out, Plus the shed is in the sun all morning into the afternoon.

[@2200chuck]

Hi Gregg; What temperature is the refrigerator set at for the garlic? Thanks

[@maritimegardening4887]

I think its between 5c and 8c

[@GimmeADream]

@@maritimegardening4887 Using an old fridge is a great help for me. We have been talking about changing our kitchen fridge all year but haven't been sure what to do with the old one. It works well enough but I hate using the side-by-side freezer.

[@79PoisonBreaker]

Do you pick the biggest heads or biggest cloves? I've noticed some of the smaller heads have really big cloves.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Big cloves

[@sqeekable]

Do you peel any skins off?

[@maritimegardening4887]

No I just dust them lightly