The Easy Storage Method For Long-Lasting Fresh Garlic
Garlic is one of those versatile ingredients that adds incredible flavor to any meal it's added to. Savory tomato pasta with mushrooms and garlic comes to mind, as does creamy garlic mashed potatoes. The clove is not only delicious, but it's also good for you. Healthline reports that garlic is highly nutritious, it can help protect you from getting sick, and it can even reduce your blood pressure.
While in its raw form it has an almost overwhelming smell and taste, but as it cooks in a pan with some olive oil, you start to get a nutty and sweet flavor. According to The Garlic Farm, this is due to the bulb containing allicin, which is a sulfur compound. To release its robust flavor, garlic has to be crushed or minced because it causes a chemical reaction to occur. If you want a more mellow flavor, the outlet recommends chopping the clove into larger pieces.
However, when it comes time to store the extra garlic you've cut or extra cloves you've gotten from the store, it can be difficult to get them to last. Many of us have gone to the fridge to grab some to cook with, only to release they are starting to get moldy. To prevent this from happening, follow this easy method from cooking guru Babs.
Store your chopped garlic in a jar and put it in the freezer
Self-proclaimed as the "internet's grandma," Babs offers helpful cooking advice on social media. Babs recently took to Instagram to offer a hack that she learned from her friend that hails from Italy. In the video, she explains that you take peeled garlic cloves and chop them up until they are your preferred size. Babs says to put a little bit of olive oil into a freezer-safe jar then add the garlic in as well. She then recommends pouring a bit more olive oil on top to "seal it in."
The media maven explains that after this step, you put it in the freezer, where it can last up to a whole year. Babs said you can also put the jars in the fridge, but the garlic will likely only stay fresh for a week. Most of her fans seemed to be excited to try the technique with one writing, "This will save me from smelly garlic fingers every time I cook." Another follower added, "You're changing lives, Babs." So, the next time you chop up garlic and want to make it last, you can try this Babs-approved hack. Your internet grandmother will be proud.