Garlic is undeniably a kitchen favorite. A trip to the grocery store rarely excludes a bulb of garlic from the shopping list. Its rich flavor makes it a go-to ingredient for many dishes, from roasted garlic spreads to the much-loved garlic bread. For the garlic lovers among us, having lots of garlic at hand is a must. But how do you store that much garlic, ensuring its freshness and nutritional value? Enter the art of preserving garlic in oil and other tips for storing them.
If you LOVE garlic you would love my delicious recipe for Garlic Fried Rice. It's not only very tasty but it's so quick and easy to make. All you need is rice, garlic, olive oil, and a little bit of salt. Pair it with Garlic Butter Shrimp which is also a fan favorite recipe, and make it a complete meal!
Jump to:
The Oil Magic: A Time-Tested Method
Oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is a great way to preserve garlic. It works as a barrier, cutting off oxygen and thereby preventing spoilage. The result? Fresh garlic cloves preserved in oil, ready to be used in salad dressings, or stirred into a simple recipe.
Choosing the Right Oil
While extra virgin olive oil takes the trophy for its rich flavor, vegetable oil can also be used to preserve garlic. The choice often boils down to personal preference and the intended culinary use.
Why Garlic Turns Blue?
Ever wondered about that blue hue sometimes seen in stored garlic? When fresh garlic cloves come in contact with acid or oil, they can turn a shade of blue or green. It's not magic but a result of amino acids in garlic reacting with its natural sulfur compounds. A surprising sight? Yes. A cause for concern? No. This color transformation doesn't alter the garlic's taste or health benefits.
Allicin: The Heart of Garlic
Garlic isn't just about flavor; it's a health powerhouse. Central to its health benefits is allicin. When raw garlic is crushed or chopped, an enzyme reaction creates allicin. Not only responsible for the distinct garlic smell, but allicin also boasts anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
On average, a single garlic clove contains 5-9 mg of allicin. The more pungent the garlic, the more allicin it contains.
Preservation Steps
1. Whole Cloves in Oil
- Preparation: Start with fresh garlic cloves. Ensure they are free from any signs of sprouting or mold. If you're using homegrown garlic or buying from a farmer’s market, let the bulbs of garlic dry for a couple of hours in a cool, shaded area. Once dried, peel off the papery skin, leaving the individual cloves intact.
- Sterilizing the Jar: Before using a small jar to preserve garlic in oil, it’s important to sterilize it. Boil the jar and its lid in water for about 10 minutes, then dry thoroughly. This step helps to eliminate any potential contaminants.
- Packing the Jar: Place the whole cloves of garlic into the sterilized jar. It's essential not to overpack; leave some space at the top.
- Adding the Oil: Pour your choice of oil (extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor) over the garlic, ensuring the cloves are entirely submerged. The oil acts as a barrier, preventing exposure to air.
- Storage: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a refrigerator. Avoid room temperature storage for garlic-in-oil mixtures due to the risk of botulism. Consider adding red pepper flakes before sealing the jar for a spicy kick.
- Usage: Always use a clean, dry spoon when extracting garlic to prevent contamination. The garlic oil left behind is perfect for dressings or garlic bread.
2. Minced Garlic in Oil
- Preparation: Peel the required amount of garlic. Once peeled, use a food processor to mince the garlic evenly.
- Filling the Ice Cube Trays: Transfer the minced garlic into ice cube trays, distributing evenly. Aim to fill each compartment about halfway to leave space for the oil.
- Adding the Oil: Gently pour your choice of oil (extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor) over the minced garlic. Ensure each compartment is filled and that the garlic is submerged.
- Freezing: Place the ice cube trays in the freezer. Allow them to freeze for a couple of hours or until solid.
- Storage for Long-Term: Once frozen, pop out the garlic cubes and transfer them to a freezer bag. Seal the bag, remove as much air as possible, and store it in the freezer. When you need minced garlic for a dish, you can easily take out a cube.
- Usage: These frozen garlic cubes are great for stews, soups, stir-fries, or any recipe that calls for garlic. They save time and retain the garlic's fresh flavor.
Additional Tips
- For those who love roasted garlic, consider roasting whole heads of garlic first, then preserving garlic in oil using the same steps as above. Roasted garlic has a milder, sweeter flavor and can be a delightful change to the ordinary.
- Always be aware of the shelf life of your preserved garlic. While garlic preserved in oil can last a long time in the refrigerator, it's best consumed within three months for optimal freshness.
- Before using preserved garlic, give it a sniff and a visual inspection. If it smells off or if there's any sign of mold or yeast growth, it's safer to discard it.
Beyond Oil: Other Storage Techniques
Dehydrated Garlic: Peel and slice garlic thinly. Lay out on a baking sheet and dry in an oven at a low temperature. Store in an airtight container.
Frozen Garlic: Place individual cloves in a plastic bag or wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer.
Mesh Bag Storage: A mesh bag or wire basket allows garlic to breathe. Hang in a cool, dry place like a root cellar.
Storing garlic properly ensures you get to enjoy its flavor and health benefits for a long time. Whether it's preserving garlic in oil, freezing, or drying, there's a method for every garlic enthusiast. Remember, the easiest way to have garlic at the ready is to preserve it in ways that suit your culinary needs. A jar of garlic-infused oil or a freezer bag of minced garlic can be a real game-changer in the kitchen.
So, the next time you find yourself with an extra head of garlic from the farmer’s market or notice that the last clove in the mesh bag is still fresh after a long time, remember these storage techniques. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Absolutely! Preserving garlic in oil is a popular way to keep it fresh for longer periods while infusing the oil with its wonderful flavor.
Start by peeling and finely chopping or mincing your garlic. Then, submerge it completely in a clean glass jar filled with olive oil. Make sure the garlic is fully covered by the oil to prevent any exposure to air, which can lead to bacterial growth.
When done correctly, preserving garlic in oil is safe. However, it's important to follow proper food safety guidelines. Store the jar of infused oil in the refrigerator and consume it within two weeks. Always use clean utensils when handling the preserved garlic and discard if you notice any off smells or signs of spoilage.
Glass jars are ideal for storing preserved garlic as they are non-reactive and won't affect the taste or quality of the ingredients. Ensure that both the jar and lid are thoroughly cleaned before use.
Absolutely! Many people love experimenting with different flavors by adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chili flakes into their infused oils along with minced or chopped garlic. This adds an extra layer of flavor to your culinary repertoire!
How-To Instructions
Instructions
Whole Cloves Preserved in Oil
- Preparation: Peel off the papery skin from fresh garlic cloves, leaving the individual cloves intact.
- Sterilizing the Jar: Boil the jar and its lid in water for about 10 minutes, then dry thoroughly.
- Packing the Jar: Place the whole cloves of garlic into the sterilized jar. Leave some space at the top so not to overpack it.
- Adding the Oil: Pour your choice of oil (extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor) over the garlic, ensuring the cloves are entirely submerged.
- Storage: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a refrigerator.
- Usage: Garlic preserved in oil is perfect for dressings or garlic bread.
Minced Garlic Preserved in Oil
- Preparation: Peel the required amount of garlic. Once peeled, use a food processor to mince the garlic evenly.
- Filling the Ice Cube Trays: Transfer the minced garlic into ice cube trays, distributing evenly.
- Adding the Oil: Gently pour your choice of oil (extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor) over the minced garlic.
- Freezing: Place the ice cube trays in the freezer.
- Storage for Long-Term: Once frozen, pop out the garlic cubes and transfer them to a freezer bag.
- Usage: These frozen garlic cubes are great for stews, soups, stir-fries, or any recipe that calls for garlic. They save time and retain the garlic's fresh flavor.
Recipes That Use Garlic
Looking for recipes that use garlic? Try these:
Other Cooking Tips
Check out these other how-to cooking tips:
Comments
No Comments