Can You Freeze Peeled Garlic?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can freeze peeled garlic cloves where they will keep well for over 6 months. Here’s how:
- Prepare peeled garlic cloves.
- Transfer them into an airtight bag or container.
- Push out excess air and label with the date.
- Store in the freezer.
Read on for more detail
For those who love garlic and use it generously in dishes, thinking about how to store it to prevent spoilage is not an issue. But what if you only use a clove or two every once in a while?
Can you freeze peeled garlic? Yes, you can store peeled cloves of garlic in the freezer where they will keep well for over 6 months. All you need to do is to prepare the cloves, put them in an airtight bag or container, and freeze.
Frozen and defrosted garlic changes its texture becoming softer. The taste, however, remains the same.
Continue reading for a quick guide on freezing peeled garlic cloves and how to use them.
Freezing Peeled Garlic – Does It Work?
If you have somehow ended up with too much garlic and know you won’t use it within a few months, then you should certainly try freezing it.
There are a few ways you can freeze garlic, but freezing peeled garlic cloves is one of the easiest and most convenient ways of doing it.
Frozen cloves of garlic are also easier to use as you can take out as many as needed at any time.
How Does Freezing Affect Garlic?
Freezing peeled garlic won’t affect the power of this aromatic vegetable. The taste will remain pungent. The texture, however, will be slightly altered. Defrosted garlic is not as firm as crunchy as fresh garlic.
This is not a big deal as cooking garlic softens it anyway. As for salads, sauces, or other dishes where you will be using it raw, chop it finely and the texture changes will not be noticeable.
How to Freeze Peeled Garlic
Peeling the cloves is the most time-consuming step of the process. But it can be easy and fast if you know the right method of doing it.
Preparation
Peeling garlic is not the most fun activity. It may take quite a while to prepare many bulbs of garlic if you don’t know how to peel them fast.
You may be tempted to throw the bulbs straight into the bag and freeze. But this doesn’t solve the problem as you will have to peel it later anyway. And you will certainly regret freezing unpeeled garlic cloves when in a hurry to put together a quick meal.
Here is how to peel garlic fast and prepare the cloves for freezing:
- Put a garlic bulb on the table and use both hands to push down on it and separate the cloves.
- Find a big bowl with a lid that will fit multiple garlic bulbs. A mason jar will also work, as well as a bowl and a plate to cover it.
- Put garlic cloves into the bowl, close it, and start shaking for up to a minute.
- Have a look at your garlic cloves. Almost peeled! Take a few minutes to discard the loose-hanging garlic skin.
- Cut off the root end of the cloves. (optional)
Freezing
Once you have your garlic cloves peeled, here is how you should store them in the freezer:
- Transfer the peeled garlic cloves into an airtight bag or container.
- Push out excess air if you are using a plastic bag.
- Label with the date and store in the freezer.
If you want extra protection, wrap the cloves in a piece of aluminum foil or plastic wrap before putting them in a bag or container.
How Long Does Peeled Garlic Last in the Freezer?
Peeled garlic cloves will last in the freezer for 6 months to a year. However, it is recommended to use them as soon as possible for the maximum aroma and taste. Check it to see if it is good before you discard it.
How to Use Frozen Garlic
If you are planning on using garlic in dishes that require cooking on the heat, you can put the frozen cloves directly into the pan.
For salads, dipping sauces, or other dishes that call for uncooked garlic, let the cloves defrost at room temperature. As the cloves are quite small, you won’t have to wait for too long.
If you are in a hurry, put frozen garlic in a plastic bag and place it under running water. Microwaving the cloves for 10 seconds is also a quick way to defrost garlic cloves.
As defrosted garlic is softer than fresh garlic, it is easier to mince it with a cheese grater rather than use a knife to chop it. You can also use a garlic press.
