How Can I Preserve Garlic Bulbs?

Dry Storing

• 1

  Wash the garlic bulbs after harvesting, leaving the stalks intact. If you have a soft-necked variety you can braid the stalks together to form traditional garlands.

• 2

  Hang the bulbs in dark, dry conditions at room temperature. Hang non-braided bulbs from their stalks, ensuring that air can circulate around them. Leave for at least a week.

• 3

  Store individual bulbs in paper bags in a dark place. Alternatively, use mesh bags or egg cartons. Bulbs also can be placed under a clay pot in a cupboard. Dried garlic will keep for up to a year in the right conditions.

Pickling Garlic

• 4

  Separate cloves and blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen skins. After blanching, quickly plunge the garlic into icy water. Peel cloves and discard the skins.

• 5

  Place all ingredients except for garlic and chili peppers into a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Allow to boil for one minute. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

• 6

  Add the garlic cloves to the mixture and stir for one minute. Place two chili peppers in each jar. Pack the garlic cloves into the jars and cover with the liquid. Seal and keep in a cool, dark place.