Garlic is known and used globally as a seasoning, and besides its taste, it has also benefits for health. The key to the quality of the garlic and its storage is proper drying and curing followed by storing it properly. This article will explore the reasons why we need to dry garlic, the best way to dry garlic, the time required in the different methods of drying garlic, the shelf life of dried garlic, and how to store it properly. We will also briefly discuss some of the frequently asked questions often posed when dealing with drying garlic.
What Is the Purpose of Drying Garlic?
Drying garlic serves several purposes, making it a preferred method of preservation for many culinary uses. Here are the primary reasons for drying garlic:
- Extended Shelf Life
Fresh garlic spoils within a relatively short window of time. However, discovering the best way to dry garlic will extend its lifespan, hence making it possible to store garlic for months without spoilage.
- Preventing Spoilage
Fresh garlic contains moisture that, if not removed, can lead to mold growth and spoilage. By drying garlic, you reduce its moisture content, thereby preventing microbial growth and ensuring that the garlic remains usable for a longer period.
- Concentrated Flavor
The drying process intensifies the flavor of garlic, making it more robust and aromatic. This concentrated flavor of garlic enhances the taste of various dishes.
- Convenience
Dried garlic takes up less space and can be stored and handled efficiently, making it a convenient addition to any kitchen.
- Preservation of Nutrients
The drying process helps maintain garlic’s nutritional content in terms of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, ensuring it retains its health benefits.
- Versatility
Once dried, garlic can be ground into powder, made into flakes, or used as is in many recipes.
Best Way to Dry Garlic
One needs to know a thing or two about the harvesting phase before jumping to the drying and curing phases. Harvesting garlic at the right time is crucial for ensuring the best quality of dried garlic.
Harvesting Garlic
Garlic is usually harvested after the lower leaves of the plant have become brown and with the upper port
ion remaining green. Here is how to harvest garlic:
- Digging up Garlic
To harvest garlic, use a garden fork or shovel to carefully loosen up the soil around the plant and remove the bulbs. It is vital not to pull them by the stems so that they do not get destroyed.
- Cleaning Garlic
Brush off the soil from the bulbs, but do not wash them. Washing introduces moisture that can hinder the drying process. Also, don’t over-clean the bulb, to avoid hurting the root hairs on the bulb, as they are essential for healthy bulb drying.
How to Dry Garlic after Harvesting
Garlic can be dried and cured in various ways. All the following methods have their benefits, and choosing the best way to dry garlic depends on available resources and personal preferences. Here, we will explore the most popular and effective techniques for dry garlic:
- Air Drying Garlic
Air drying is probably the oldest and still the best way to dry garlic. It is easy to implement, cost-effective, and does not need much equipment.
How to Air-Dry Garlic:
- Bundling
Tie about 15-20 garlic bulbs together using a string or twine. Ensure the bulbs are securely fastened but not too tight to avoid bruising.
- Hanging
Hang the bundles to a nail, hook, or clothesline in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ideal locations to dehydrate garlic include barns, roofs, sheds, or garages.
- Curing
Allow the garlic to cure for 3-4 weeks. During this time, the bulbs will dry out, and the skins will become papery.
- Final Steps
After letting the garlic dry completely, remove most of the stalks leaving only about one inch of stem. The dried garlic should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place.
- Dry Garlic in a Dehydrator
Employing a food dehydrator is another best way to dry garlic using modern techniques which comes in handy, especially in areas of high humidity or when drying has to be done in a short duration.
How to Dehydrate Garlic By Dehydrator:
- Preparation
Slice the garlic bulbs into thin pieces or separate the cloves. Arrange the slices or cloves on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not overlap to ensure even drying.
- Drying Garlic in a Dehydrator
Adjust the dehydrator temperature to about 115 to 125°F or 46- 52°C. Dry the garlic for 6-8 hours, checking periodically for dryness.
- Checking for Doneness
When the garlic is crispy and brittle, this tells you that it is now ready. If it bends or feels moist, continue drying. Keep the dried garlic in an air-tight container in a cool, dark, and dry place for future use.
- Dry Garlic in the Oven
For those who do not own a dehydrator and don’t have much space for air drying, oven drying will be the best way to dry garlic, but this way requires careful monitoring to prevent burning.
How to Dehydrate Garlic in the Oven:
- Preparation
Peel and slice the garlic cloves thinly if you are planning to grind them into a garlic powder or leave the clove as a whole after peeling it.
- Setting the Oven
Preheat the oven to its lowest temperature setting, ideally around 170°F (75°C). Many conventional ovens do not go as low as 140°F (60°C), so use the lowest setting available.
- Arranging the Garlic
Place the garlic cloves or slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure the slices or the cloves are in a single layer, and that garlic cloves or slices don’t overlap.
- Drying Garlic in Oven
Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture inside the oven to escape. Check the garlic every hour and stir the slices to promote even drying.
- Completion
The garlic is ready when it is dry and brittle. This process can take 2-6 hours depending on the thickness of the whole garlic cloves or slices and the oven temperature.
- Sun Drying Garlic
Sun drying is an age-old method that harnesses the power of the sun to dry garlic. This method is most effective in areas with low humidity and consistent sunshine. However, sun drying is not recommended if the temperature is high enough to cook the garlic rather than drying it. Excessive heat can lead to cooking instead of drying, which is not desirable for preserving garlic.
Steps for Sun Drying Garlic:
- Preparation: After cleaning, bundle the garlic bulbs using a string.
- Hang the Garlic: Hang the bundles in a well-ventilated and sunny location where the temperature is not high enough to cook the garlic. Ensure the area is protected from pests.
- Turning: Turn the slices periodically to ensure even drying.
- Drying Time: Depending on the weather, sun drying can take several days up to 14 days. The garlic is ready when it is crisp and dry.
- Screen Drying Garlic
Screen drying is also another efficient method, and could be the best way to dry garlic for those with inadequate hanging space.
Steps for Screen Drying Garlic
- Preparation
Lay out a screen or mesh surface in a well-ventilated area. Ensure the screen is elevated to allow air circulation from all sides.
- Placement
Arrange the garlic bulbs on the screen so each bulb is separated from the other to ensure that they dry uniformly.
- Drying Time
Allow the garlic to dry for about 3- 4 weeks with the bulbs occasionally being turned over for even drying.
- Final Steps
After drying the garlic, trim the stalks and keep the bulbs in a cool, dark, and dry place.
How Long to Dry Garlic?
The duration required to dry garlic varies based on the method used and environmental conditions. Here is a breakdown of the drying times for different methods:
Garlic Air Drying
– Time Required: 3-4 weeks
– Factors Influencing Time: Humidity levels, air circulation, and the initial moisture content of the garlic.
Dry Garlic Using Dehydrator
– Time Required: 6-8 hours
– Factors Influencing Time: Cloves or slice thickness, dehydrator efficiency, and consistent temperature.
Oven Drying Garlic
– Time Required: 2-6 hours
– Factors Influencing Time: Oven temperature, clove or slice thickness, and moisture content.
Sun Drying
– Time Required: Several days (10-14 days)
– Factors Influencing Time: Weather conditions, humidity levels, and sunlight exposure.
Screen Drying
– Time Required: Several days (3-4 weeks)
– Factors Influencing Time: Humidity, ventilation, and the moisture content of the garlic.
Note: Regularly check the garlic during the drying period to ensure it is drying evenly and not developing mold. The best way to dry garlic is to leave the garlic feeling papery and have shriveled skins and firm cloves. Incomplete drying can lead to mold growth and spoilage during storage.
How Long Does Garlic Last
The shelf life of garlic varies based on its form and storage conditions. Here is a detailed overview of how long garlic lasts:
Fresh Garlic
- Whole Bulbs
Fresh, unpeeled garlic bulbs can last for 3-5 months when stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
- Individual Cloves
Unpeeled cloves separated from the bulb can last for 10 days to a few weeks.
Dried Garlic
- Whole Bulbs
Garlic bulbs, when air-dried which is naturally the best way to dry garlic, can last for at least one year if stored in optimal conditions.
- Sliced or Powdered
On the other hand, dried garlic slices or garlic powder can be stored for up to 2 years in an airtight container in a cool dark area.
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The Best Way to Store Garlic
After implementing your best way to dry garlic, proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of dried garlic. Here are some best practices for storing garlic:
- Choose the Right Container
Store dried garlic in mesh bags, paper bags, or baskets that allow air circulation. Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers that can trap moisture.
- Cool, Dark, and Dry Environment
Store garlic in a cool (60-65°F or 15-18°C), dark, and dry place. Basements, cellars, or pantry shelves work well.
- Keep Away from Direct Sunlight
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause garlic to sprout and degrade in quality. Store garlic in a dark place to maintain its freshness and flavor.
- Avoid Refrigating
Avoid storing garlic in the refrigerator, as the cold and moist environment can promote sprouting and mold growth. Instead, store garlic in a pantry, cellar, or a well-ventilated cupboard.
- Regular Checks
Periodically check the stored garlic for any signs of spoilage, mold, or sprouting. Remove any affected bulbs promptly to prevent the spread of mold to other bulbs.
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Conclusion
Garlic, when dried, can be kept for long periods while preserving its taste, and nutrient content. No matter what is the best way to dry garlic you decide to use, whether it is air drying, dehydrator, oven drying, sun drying, or screen drying, each of them has its pros and cons and is adjusted to some particular conditions and tastes. Understanding the purpose of drying garlic, choosing your best way to dry garlic, the appropriate drying times, and the best storage practices will ensure that your garlic remains fresh and flavorful for months to come.
FAQS
- Which way do you hang garlic to dry?
To dry garlic bulbs, use string to tie them in bundles and hang them in an area with good air circulation and away from direct sunlight.
- What is the method of drying garlic?
There are several ways of drying garlic and choosing the best way to dry garlic depends on your resources and preference. Methods to dry garlic include air drying, dehydrator, oven drying, sun drying, and screen drying.
- Should garlic be dried in the sun?
Yes, it is possible to dry garlic in the sun but it is important to protect them from pests and too much moisture. Ideal conditions include consistent sunshine and low humidity.
- How long should garlic dry after harvesting?
For the traditional method of air drying, garlic should be dried for about 3-4 weeks after it has been harvested. However, other drying methods using an oven or dehydrator have a much shorter time.
