All About Garlic cloves
Your complete guide to garlic cloves - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Garlic cloves Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for garlic cloves in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Whole Head (Unpeeled) at Room Temperature3-6 months
Signs of Spoilage
Soft or mushy spots, yellowing or browning of outer papery skin, visible mold (often green, blue, or black), green shoots emerging from the top (sprouting), shriveling and drying out.
How to Check
Visual inspection for mold, sprouts, or discoloration. Gently squeeze the head or individual cloves; they should feel firm. A sour or 'off' smell, distinct from fresh garlic's pungent aroma, indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry, dark place with good air circulation, such as a mesh bag, open basket, or a specialized garlic keeper. Avoid refrigeration for whole heads, as the cold can encourage sprouting and mold growth. Do not store in plastic bags, which trap moisture and promote spoilage.
Peeled Cloves (Raw) in Refrigerator5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy texture, strong sour or 'off' odor (different from fresh garlic's pungent aroma), green, blue, or black mold growth, significant discoloration (dark spots, yellowing).
How to Check
Visual inspection for sliminess or mold. Touch the cloves; they should feel firm, not slimy or mushy. A sour or unpleasant smell is a clear indicator of spoilage. Discard if any of these signs are present.
Storage Tips
Store peeled cloves in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator to prevent drying out and to contain their strong aroma from affecting other foods. Do not store peeled garlic cloves in oil at room temperature, as this creates an anaerobic environment that can promote the growth of Clostridium botulinum, a dangerous bacteria.
Peeled Cloves (Raw) in Freezer10-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), significant loss of aroma and flavor over time. The texture will be much softer and mushier once thawed, which is normal for frozen garlic.
How to Check
Visual inspection for signs of freezer burn. A lack of garlic aroma upon opening the container might indicate significant flavor degradation. Upon thawing, if the garlic is excessively watery or completely lacking in its characteristic smell, its quality has significantly deteriorated.
Storage Tips
Peeled cloves can be frozen whole, sliced, or minced. For best results, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. This prevents clumping. Frozen garlic is best used in cooked dishes, as its texture changes significantly and becomes less suitable for raw applications.