How to Keep Garlic Fresh All Year Round Recipe
Ingredients
With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!
Directions
- Soak the garlic cloves in warm water for 1 hour.
- Drain and peel the garlic cloves.
- Place the peeled garlic cloves in a sterilized glass jar.
- Add 2 tablespoons of coarse salt to the jar.
- Pour in apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar until the garlic is fully submerged.
- Boil water and allow it to cool, then add it to the jar to top off as needed.
- Place a slice of lemon on top and seal the jar tightly.
- Shake the jar gently to mix all ingredients.
This method keeps the garlic fresh and ready for use for over a year.
Recipe Tips
Adapted from a Recipe by: José Rafael Trindade Reis
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular salt instead of coarse salt?
Yes, you can use regular salt, but coarse salt helps to preserve the garlic better and adds texture. If using regular salt, reduce the amount slightly to avoid overly salty garlic.
What is the best way to store the jar after preparing the garlic?
Store the jar in a cool, dark place such as a pantry. Once opened, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and safety.
What should I do if the garlic starts to turn brown or develop an off smell?
If the garlic develops a brown color or an off smell, it is best to discard it, as this may indicate spoilage. Always ensure that the garlic is fully submerged in the vinegar to prevent exposure to air.
Recommended Drink Pairings
Wine
Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light, crisp wine complements the sharpness of garlic while enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
General: Sauvignon Blanc - The bright acidity and herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc pair well with garlic, accentuating its flavor without overpowering it.
Beer
Portuguese: Super Bock - This classic Portuguese lager offers a refreshing balance to the pungent garlic, making it an excellent choice for this dish.
General: Pilsner - A crisp and clean Pilsner will provide a refreshing contrast to the garlic's intensity, enhancing the overall experience.
Other Beverages
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink: A diluted apple cider vinegar drink can enhance the garlic's flavor and provide a tangy, refreshing palate cleanser.
You might also like
Discover how to make roast lamb (cordeiro assado), with this flavorful recipe, featuring aromatic...
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
A quick and simple recipe for roasted quail (codorniz Assada).
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 1 |
Roasted turkey (peru assado), a flavorful recipe, featuring aromatic herbs and spices for a...
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 6 |






BJ's sells already peeled cloves of garlic in a bag. I am not sure how much it weighs but you get a lot of garlic for $3.29. I got tired of buying garlic, using some of it, and then having it go to waste, and I also don't like that when you buy a head of garlic, half of the cloves are so tiny as to be useless.
I buy the bag, chop it in my food processor, and then use ice cube trays to freeze pieces that are about the equivalent of about a tablespoon of the chopped garlic. When I need them for a recipe, I just pull what I need from the freezer, and either throw it in with the recipe (tomato sauce) or defrost for a few minutes before sauteeing. I do the same with Basil which is another expensive item that is often wasted.