Things You'll Need
Knife
Storage jar
Olive oil
Food processor
Garlic keeps well in dry storage, but freezing can extend the storage life even further. The thawed garlic cloves may not have the same crispness as dry stored garlic, but they are still suitable for use in cooked dishes. The method of freezing depends on how you plan to use the garlic. Garlic in oil works well for use in sautéed foods and sauces, while whole cloves are preferable for recipes calling for whole or chopped garlic.
Dry Pack Freezing
Step 1
Peel the garlic cloves. Leave the cloves whole or chop them into smaller pieces, as desired.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Place the cloves in a freezer storage container. Glass freezer containers are preferable, since the aroma of cut garlic can change the flavor of foods stored nearby.
Step 3
Store the sealed container in the freezer. Frozen garlic retains its flavor for up to one year.
Oil Pack Freezing
Step 1
Mix one part peeled garlic with two parts olive oil. Place the garlic and oil in a food processor.
Step 2
Puree the garlic until it reaches the desired consistency. Either puree until smooth or leave some garlic chunks in the oil, as preferred.
Step 3
Pour the pureed garlic into a freezer container, leaving 1/2-inch of head space at the top of the container. Seal the container closed and freeze. Oil-packed garlic doesn't freeze solid.
Tip
Whole, unpeeled garlic bulbs also freeze well.
Double wrap the garlic in two freezer storage bags if you don't have glass storage jars. The double layer of plastic helps prevent odor transference in the freezer.
Video of the Day