TIPS & TRICKS: GARLIC

 

Garlic is one of the most useful ingredients to keep in the freezer. Whether you grow your own or buy a big bag from the market, freezing garlic ensures you'll always have fresh flavor on hand without worrying about sprouting bulbs.

Before You Freeze

Store whole garlic bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating whole heads, as moisture can encourage sprouting.

When you notice bulbs starting to soften or sprout, it's a good time to prepare them for the freezer.

Method

Garlic gives you several freezer-friendly options:

Whole Cloves:
Peel the cloves and freeze them in a freezer bag. Pull out only what you need and mince while still partially frozen.

Minced Garlic:
Finely chop or pulse peeled cloves in a food processor. Spread the mixture thin in a freezer bag or freeze in small portions using an ice cube tray.

Garlic Cubes:
Mix minced garlic with a little olive oil or broth and freeze in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a labeled freezer bag.

Best Uses

Frozen garlic works perfectly in:

• Soups and stews
• Pasta sauces
• Stir-fries
• Roasted vegetables
• Marinades
• Slow-cooker meals
• Garlic bread and compound butters

Because freezing slightly changes the texture, frozen garlic is best used in cooked dishes rather than recipes requiring crisp raw garlic.

Freezer Life

10 to 12 months for best quality.

Pro Tip

Freeze garlic in tablespoon-sized portions. One cube dropped into a hot skillet instantly adds flavor without the peeling, chopping, and sticky fingers. Pair it with frozen herb cubes, and you've got the foundation for countless meals waiting in the freezer.