How to Cure Garlic
Curing or drying garlic is the best way to preserve fresh garlic for later use. Garlic can be dried using only the cloves or the entire plant can be woven into braids and hung to dry. Curing garlic is a simple task that requires no special equipment and takes very little of your time. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Tie bundles of garlic together by the leaves of the plant. Hang the tied bundles in a cool, dry area and allow to dry.
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Cut the leaves off of the garlic bulbs. Spread the bulbs out in a single layer on newspaper or cardboard and store in a cool, dry area. Turn the bulbs once a week for even curing.
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3
Braid the leaves of the bulbs in the same way you would braid hair. Start with three bulbs and add in additional bulbs after each crossed section of the braid. Hang the entire braid and let it dry in a dry place.
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4
Determine the dryness of the garlic bulbs by checking to see if the outer layer of the skins has turned into a paper-like covering.
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Tips & Warnings
A corner of a garage or shed is the perfect environment for curing garlic. Attics and basements, if dry, can also be a good drying area.
Once dried, the garlic can be stored in a cardboard box until needed. Any bulb that begins to show green growth should be used as soon as possible.
Garlic braids make a great gift for those who love to cook.
Cured garlic can be used in recipes the same way that fresh garlic is used. The garlic taste may be a bit stronger when dried.
Dried garlic can be separated into individual cloves and planted in the spring for a new harvest in the fall.
