Do you find yourself throwing away sprouting or moldy garlic? There’s an easy way to keep garlic fresh and flavorful for much longer – and it only takes two ingredients: garlic and vinegar! This simple method not only helps you save money but also makes sure you always have fresh garlic ready for cooking.
Why Vinegar Works So Well
Vinegar has natural antimicrobial properties that prevent mold and bacteria from growing. When you add peeled garlic cloves to vinegar, you create an environment where garlic can stay fresh and safe to eat for a very long time. Plus, the vinegar itself will take on a mild garlic flavor, which you can use in salad dressings or marinades!
What You’ll Need
- Fresh garlic cloves, peeled
- Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (both are healthy and full of natural benefits)
- A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
How to Make It
- Peel the Garlic – Remove the skins from the garlic cloves. Make sure the cloves are firm and show no signs of mold or softness.
- Fill the Jar – Place the peeled cloves into your glass jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Add Vinegar – Pour vinegar over the garlic until all cloves are fully submerged.
- Seal and Store – Close the jar tightly and keep it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark cupboard.
That’s it! The garlic will stay fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor for months – even years – as long as the cloves remain completely covered with vinegar. Just use clean utensils when you take garlic from the jar to keep everything fresh.
A Few Extra Tips
- Always check that the vinegar covers the garlic completely; top up if needed.
- Label the jar with the date you made it, so you always know how long it’s been stored.
- Use the garlic-infused vinegar to add a delicious kick to salads or soups!
Enjoy fresh garlic anytime – without worrying about it going bad.
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