How Do I Dry & Cure Garlic Bulbs?

Garlic should be harvested when the foliage begins to turn yellow and die.

Curing is an essential step when you want to store garlic for an extended period of time. Garlic can be eaten at any stage of growth or harvest, but if you want to preserve it, it must be cured. The curing process is instrumental in partially drying out the bulb and allows it to have a longer shelf life. Air circulation and humidity are also important. Curing and drying out the bulb requires time, so rushing the process won't bring you good results.

Instructions

1. Place newspapers, wire racks or trays in a well-ventilated area, out of the direct sunlight.

2. Spread the garlic bulbs out evenly on the drying surface.

3. Allow the bulbs to dry for two to four weeks or until the skins become paper-like.

Tips & Warnings

• If the garlic's bulb stem is still moist, it is not cured.

• You can store cured garlic for three to five months in cool, dry, dark conditions. The optimal temperature is 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit with 65 to 70 percent relative humidity, according to the Iowa State University Horticulture Guide.

References

• University of California Calevaras County Extension: Garlic
• Growing Garlic: Curing or Preserving Garlic
• Iowa State University Horticulture Guide: Garlic