Preserving garlic, also called pickling garlic, is one of the easiest ways to save your garlic harvest. There’s nothing better than having fresh garlic ready to use all year long.
About ten years ago, I found myself with a huge harvest of hard neck garlic and no possible way to use it all before it began sprouting. I love garlic and cooking with garlic but even so, I knew I needed to figure out how to preserve garlic.
While I’ve canned fruits and vegetables before, I’d never thought to try preserving garlic. My brother Miles visited us last week and was kind enough to spend a couple of hours showing me how to can it.
As it turns out, it is almost ridiculously simple. It’s so simple and so effective that I wish I had learned to do it a long time ago.
We all love having garlic ready to use now in the refrigerator and I’m excited to share my findings with you!
This garlic tastes FRESH. If you’ve ever bought a jar of minced garlic or peeled cloves in oil or vinegar, this doesn’t resemble any of those things. I have used the preserved cloves in a couple of recipes already and the taste is exactly the same as fresh.
How to Preserve Garlic
Raw, dried garlic can be kept for months in a cool and dark environment. However, here in the very warm southwest, it rarely lasts over a month in my home before it sprouts. Preserving it with this easy pickling method helps keep it fresh for months.
Wondering if this method yields garlic with a pickled, vinegary taste? It doesn’t. The natural oils of the garlic prevent the vinegar from being absorbed into the cloves! Handy, right?
To use your preserved garlic, just take out the number of cloves you need, rinse quickly with water, and use as desired. If you want a slight vinegar bite to the garlic, or if you are using it in a recipe that also calls for vinegar, simply use the garlic without rinsing.
Also called pickling garlic, this method is one of the most common ways to save your garlic harvest. At any given time, you’re likely to find a row of jarred garlic tucked in the back of my refrigerator.
Why Does Garlic Turn Blue
Updated 9/19/12 to answer multiple questions regarding, Why Did My Garlic Turn Blue? If your garlic does turn blue, it is still safe to eat.
This can happen when enzymes and amino acids present in garlic react with the sulfur compounds responsible for garlic’s pungent smell. I’ve seen this happen a few times over the years and apparently, it is fairly common.
Selecting Garlic
If you don’t grow and harvest your own garlic in a home garden, follow these tips for selecting the best and freshest heads of garlic from your farmer’s market or grocery store to use in your preserved garlic recipe:
First, look for heads of garlic without sprouting. Sprouting is an immediate indicator that the garlic is no longer fresh and not worth your money.
Next, give the garlic a quick “sniff and squeeze.” If it smells mildewy or moldy, give it a pass. That’s an almost sure indicator that the garlic has gone rotten.
Fresh garlic cloves should never be soft or squishy. A fresh head of garlic will be firm to the touch and not yield with a light squeeze.
How to Peel Garlic
Arguably the most time-consuming part of the process of preserving garlic is peeling it. Of course, you can just use your fingers and peel away but if you’re looking for a faster process, or run into a stubborn clove whose skin just won’t peel, here are a few popular tricks.
I’ve tried all of these methods and it really just depends on how much garlic you need to peel, how you plan to use it, or if you’re preserving it.
The method below requires just Two Metal Mixing Bowls and it is my favorite.
- Take your whole head of garlic and place it in a large metal bowl.
- Place another bowl the same size on top of the first bowl so that you have an orb shape.
- Shake the two bowls very hard for about 30 seconds.
Keep in mind that this method works best with older garlic where the skin is already a little loose. Vigorously shaking the garlic in the bowls allows the skins to just break and fall away from the cloves. This method works best when using large quantities of garlic to smash into each other and help the process along.
Likely the most well-known method of peeling garlic cloves in a flash is by hitting the clove with the flat side of the knife. This is handy when cooking, but for this recipe, we want to preserve whole cloves intact so be careful not to smash your garlic if you try this method.
Similar to the bowl method above, you can also place the garlic cloves in a glass jar with a closed lid and then vigorously shake to loosen the garlic skin. This is definitely effective but, the amount of garlic you’re able to process this way is limited.
You can also use the microwave or warm water to heat the garlic slightly, making it easier to peel with your fingers.
Preparing Garlic
Depending on when your garlic was harvested you might notice some brown spots on the cloves. This is perfectly normal and doesn’t mean your garlic is rotten.
After rinsing once, I used a small paring knife to trim off brown spots on my garlic cloves. After all the brown spots are removed, rinse the garlic bulbs a second time and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Storing Garlic
If you use the method outlined in the recipe, you’ll need to store your jars of preserved garlic in the refrigerator to make them last. Designate one side of a shelf or a shelf on the inside of a drawer for your garlic jars. They should stay fresh for several months and even up to a year.
Sticking with this basic refrigerator canning method is by far the easiest and more reliable way to preserve garlic.
While there are multiple sources online that claim pressure canning works, I’ve removed this information, based on a reader review that doing this destroyed her garlic. I stick with my recommendation of preserving garlic in vinegar in the refrigerator. According to the USDA, “Canning of garlic is not recommended. Garlic is a low-acid vegetable that requires a pressure canner to be properly processed. Garlic loses most of its flavor when heated in this way. For this reason, adequate processing times have not been determined for canning garlic.”
How to Use Preserved Garlic
Now that you know how to preserve garlic, you can use that garlic anywhere you’d use the fresh stuff. And believe me when I tell you it maintains all the same aromatic, flavorful goodness of a freshly harvested garlic bulb.
Sauteed garlic is a must-have for countless savory recipes. We use it in everything from Garlicky Ginger Stir-Fry for a quick and easy weeknight meal to Sauteed Zucchini Ribbons.
Preserved garlic (rinsed and patted dry) is also amazing roasted! Use it in Roasted Garlic Quinoa with Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic and Bacon Guacamole and Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip and be everyone’s new best friend.
I also love garlic as an ingredient in salad dressing, sauces, marinades and savory spreads. It’s just divine in Beer and Garlic Marinade, Mojo Marinade, and in Homemade Ranch Dressing. This Chipotle Garlic Sauce served with roasted fingerling potatoes are a garlic lovers’ dream.
True garlic fanatics NEED to try the Garlic Lover’s Potato Salad. That recipe alone is worth “putting up” a big batch of garlic so you have it on hand anytime a craving strikes.
Give preserving your own garlic a try. I guarantee you won’t be sorry! It’s an easy and money-saving way to ensure you always have garlic on-hand anytime you need it.
Kitchen Tip: I use this pot and these jars when preserving garlic.
Kitchen Tip: How To Preserve Garlic
Ingredients
- Garlic heads broken apart and cloves peeled
- Distilled vinegar
- Large pot for boiling the vinegar
- Jars for storing the garlic
Instructions
- Break apart your heads of garlic and peel the cloves. Place the peeled cloves of garlic in a large mixing bowl and fill with water. Use your fingertips to scrub any dirt off of the cloves. Once the cloves are cleaned, transfer them to a large strainer and rinse well.
- Depending on when your garlic was harvested, you might have very few brown spots on the cloves. My garlic was harvested late this year, so the ends were quite brown with some spots on the cloves as well. Use a small paring knife to trim the spots and then transfer the cleaned and trimmed cloves back to the strainer. Rinse again.
- Bring the vinegar to a boil in a large pot. For several hundred cloves of garlic, I used about 8 cups of vinegar. Place the clean garlic cloves into small jars. (I prefer to use small vs large jars to avoid contaminating a huge amount if the jar is open for too long in the refrigerator.) I filled 10 half pint jars with garlic. Once the vinegar has boiled, pour it over the garlic and screw the lids on tight.
- Let the jars come to room temperature on the counter overnight and then store in the refrigerator. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to a year. Enjoy!
Nutrition
{originally posted 9/14/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 5/10/22}
Lynann Shonk says
I love the simplicity! This is much better than the cloves.
Lynann Shonk says
That was suppose to read “This is better than freezing the cloves of garlic”
Mary Younkin says
Lynann – That makes more sense. 🙂 Let us know if you try this method.
Don Jennings says
So do the jars need to seal??
Mary Younkin says
No the jars will not likely seal which I why I recommend storing them in the refrigerator.
Don Jennings says
Well I wondered because I was having trouble getting them to seal but I did figure out how to do it I heated the lids like I do with my other canning and now they are all sealing😋. I love this recipe its the only way I can have fresh garlic year around it’s wonderful
Mary Younkin says
For this recipe, it is recommended to store the canned garlic in the refrigerator as you are not processing these jars in a pressure canner or water bath canner.
Margaret C says
Just tried this tonight. Easy to follow and do. I look forward to using a clove of preserved garlic and seeing the results.
Mary Younkin says
Margaret – Thank you for commenting. Please do let us know when you use it.
Adrienne says
Oh my, the cloves have been about two hours in the vinegar (boiled apple cider vinegar) and are turning blue. Have I done anything wrong??
Mary Younkin says
Adrienne – You have not done anything wrong. If you go to the middle of the blog post there is a short explanation and link to a more in-depth blog explaining what is happening when your garlic turns green or blue when preserved.
Hilda says
Can I use any other type of vinegar? I cannot seem to find distilled white vinegar anywhere
Mary Younkin says
This is just plain white vinegar. It’s usually sold in big jugs (and smaller bottles too) on the bottom shelf of most grocery stores underneath pickles and olives. I haven’t tried using any other vinegars for preserving. I’m guessing that any others might add flavors too.
Whitney Smith says
So I tried this, and it hasn’t even been a hour with the boiling vinegar in me jar, and my garlic is turning green and blue! What is going on… did I do it wrong or is that normal?
Mary Younkin says
Whitney – You are good. Go back and read the middle section of the blog post. It explains what is happening to get that reaction.
Shelley says
Can I water bath the garlic….do not have much room in my fridge
Mary Younkin says
Water bath canning is not recommended by the USDA. Here is what they say about it, and what I reference in the blog post: According to the USDA, “Canning of garlic is not recommended. Garlic is a low-acid vegetable that requires a pressure canner to be properly processed. Garlic loses most of its flavor when heated in this way. For this reason, adequate processing times have not been determined for canning garlic.”
Charmayne says
I am thoroughly done with garlic…for today. 😀.
Question: If I open a jar to use possibly 4-5 cloves, does it have the same sitting affect?
Or should I use a complete jar upon opening?
Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
You can use it and just store back in the fridge. I do it all the time.
Charmayne says
*storing vs sitting affect
Marsha says
Wonderful article! I am trying this today but also read you can do the same with vodka so I am trying that way today. Have you ever tried putting garlic in vodka?
Mary Younkin says
I’ve never tried that, Marsha.
Ev says
Im curious….how did the garlic turn out with the vodka??
Kirsten says
I used this recipe for keeping garlic. Easy to make and the garlic keeps exceptionally fresh. It seems, most recipes I use garlic in uses some form of acid, so I don’t rinse the vinegar off. Whether I cook it or use it fresh, I have gotten excellent results.
Mary Younkin says
That is so nice to know, Kirsten. I am delighted it works for you as well.
Carla says
Is there an issue with pouring boiling vinegar into the jars? Or do I need to start with hot jars before packing? I wouldn’t think so, since the jars are not being processed, but this is not explained in the article. Thank you.
Mary Younkin says
It is always a good idea to start with warm jars when pouring in a boiling liquid.
Louann says
Do you cut the little hard bits off the end of the cloves?
Mary Younkin says
It is not necessary, Louann.
Anita says
Must the vinegar be boiled? I have a jar that I did for the first time last summer sitting in the fridge but I can’t remember if I boiled the vinegar or not. Still safe to eat??
Mary Younkin says
Yes, the vinegar must be boiled. If it were me I would just throw it out.
Heidi says
Once you crack open a jar and start using the garlic how long typically does the jar stay “good”?
Mary Younkin says
Mine is good for months. As long as they stay submerged and you keep the lid on.
Shawna says
I never ever write reviews; however I was so excited to try this and so disappointed in the outcome. I followed the recipe exactly and most of my garlic turned green using this method. I have to throw the whole mason jar away. I wish I could share a picture of the ruined jar. Any suggestions/ ideas for why this may have happened would be appreciated. I loved the simplicity of this and want to try again in future!
Mary Younkin says
Hi Shawna, while I do have this info posted above, I’m happy to reshare it here for clarification. If your garlic does turn blue or green, it is still safe to eat. This can happen when enzymes and amino acids present in garlic react with the sulfur compounds responsible for garlic’s pungent smell. I’ve seen this happen a few times over the years and apparently, it is fairly common.
Desirae says
I am upcycling the glass jar, that I bought minced garlic in water, for this experiment with fresh garlic…. is that fine?
Mary Younkin says
That jar should work fine, Desirae.
Marilyn McDonald says
I followed the recipe to a T. but my garlic cloves turned partly green on each piece. Is this normal and are they still edible? thank you
Mary Younkin says
There is an explanation of this in the blog post but here is a quick summary for you: If your garlic does turn blue or green, it is still safe to eat. This can happen when enzymes and amino acids present in garlic react with the sulfur compounds responsible for garlic’s pungent smell. I’ve seen this happen a few times over the years and apparently, it is fairly common.