Vegetables
How to Store Garlic
Whole garlic bulbs keep for months in a cool, dry spot.
Pantry
Whole bulb: 3–5 months
Fridge
Peeled cloves: 1 week
Freezer
Up to 1 year
How to store it
- •Keep whole bulbs in a mesh bag or open bowl with airflow, out of the fridge.
- •Refrigerate peeled or chopped cloves in a sealed jar and use within a week.
- •Avoid storing garlic in oil at room temperature (botulism risk) — keep garlic-in-oil in the fridge and use quickly.
Signs it has gone bad
- •Green sprout in the center (still safe, slightly bitter)
- •Brown, soft cloves
- •Mold
- •Sour smell
Pro tips
- •Freeze peeled cloves whole or as a paste.
- •Don't break the bulb until you need cloves — it keeps longer intact.
Frequently asked questions
How long does garlic last in the fridge?+
In the refrigerator, garlic keeps for peeled cloves: 1 week. Store it correctly and use the oldest first.
Can you freeze garlic?+
Yes. Garlic keeps in the freezer for up to 1 year. Wrap tightly and press out excess air to avoid freezer burn.
What is the best way to store garlic?+
Best kept in the cool, dry, ventilated pantry. Keep whole bulbs in a mesh bag or open bowl with airflow, out of the fridge.
How can you tell if garlic has gone bad?+
Signs that garlic has spoiled include: green sprout in the center (still safe, slightly bitter), brown, soft cloves, mold. When in doubt, throw it out.
Recipes to use your garlic
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