Garlic is one of the most versatile food items found in the kitchen. It can be used in almost every dish. Adding various flavors as well as health benefits to all your soups, sauces, and meaty meals.
As a result. many people buy garlic in bulk and store it. Sometimes, though. if you
want to store your garlic for a longer period of time. it’s best to come up with an alternative way of preserving your garlic. So. this begs the question:
Can You Freeze Garlic?
The answer is YES! Even if you’re not sure about the results to be a success or not, freezing garlic is a perfect remedy when you suddenly find yourself with a glut of garlic on your hands.
It turns out that you can safely freeze garlic. Garlic is one of the easiest food items to freeze and it also doesn’t take up too much space in the freezer due to its size.
As a result, you can always stock up on fresh garlic and freeze it so that you can cook with it all year round. Additionally, garlic can be frozen in all its forms, which gives you the freedom to experiment.
Even though freezing garlic is a relatively easy process. there are certain things that need to be remembered while doing it which I will go into in this article.
What is the best way to freeze garlic cloves?
You’d be surprised that garlic can be frozen in many ways. You can freeze whole unpeeled garlic bulbs, chopped individual cloves (unpeeled or peeled), and chopped or minced garlic. I will go into detail on each of these in this article.
One of the most important things to ensure is to choose fresh and good quality garlic cloves prior to freezing them. If you freeze garlic cloves that have gone off or are about to you will not stop the rotting process and they will not be useful for anything. Hence, make sure that your garlic is firm and completely dry.
Once you have assembled your garlic cloves. you can either peel them or leave them with the peel on.
Garlic cloves can be frozen in Tupperware. freezer bags. or any container that can be safely stored in the freezer.
The Best and Most Common Way of Freezing Garlic Cloves
The best way to freeze garlic cloves (peeled, chopped/whole cloves) is by placing them in oil, it is also considered the safest way to freeze garlic with oil according
Here’s an easy garlic clove freezing method
- Peel the garlic cloves, mince them or press them through a garlic press, and place the mince in a bowl.
- Add enough neutral-flavored oil to coat the garlic (1/2 teaspoon per garlic clove).
- Then scoop the garlic and oil mixture onto a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet with the garlic and oil mixture in the freezer until the garlic is firm.
- Finally, transfer the frozen portions to a freezer-safe bag or container.
The frozen garlic made from this method can last up for a month with no loss in flavor. There is no difference in the frozen garlic mixture from freshly minced garlic when used in our pasta garlic recipe with oil.
Is frozen garlic as good as fresh?
Frozen garlic is still good as fresh ones, though it’s undeniably softer, its flavor will still be just as strong as fresh garlic. Though its overall quality is not as good as when it was fresh, homemade frozen garlic mixtures are still better compared to jars of peeled garlic cloves that are readily available in the market.
Use your frozen garlic mixture as you would with fresh garlic, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand, it’s easy to chop frozen garlic so you can just drop it into the dish you’re making. It’s a very easy and convenient way of utilizing frozen garlic and can save you time.
It’s also important to ensure that you keep the garlic away from other food items that might cause it to lose its scent.
Does freezing garlic ruin it?
Garlic is versatile when it comes to freezing and that’s why many people opt to freeze them to use them for later recipes and dishes.
But does freezing garlic ruin it? Although when we freeze garlic, its texture becomes softer compared to fresh garlic, its flavor will still be as strong as ever. So, no, freezing does not entirely ruin it.
How long can you keep garlic in the freezer?
Organic peeled and chopped garlic and frozen cooked garlic can last up to 10 to 12 months in the freezer (food kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely).
It’s important to check on your garlic if it’s safe to consume or not (this refers to both fresh and frozen garlic), bad or rotten garlic can give fatal consequences to those who consume it.
- Appearance – Look at the garlic’s outer appearance, rotten garlic form brown spots on their cloves and has a yellow or brown color rather than its normal yellowish-white color.
- Texture – Garlic should feel firm to the touch, if the garlic is soft and feels too mushy, disregard it. Except for thawed frozen garlic, its texture is softer.
- Aroma – If the garlic loses its distinct smell (spicy, mellow, and pungent) it’s a sign of spoilage.
Since we’ve established the benefits and best ways of freezing garlic. Read on to find out what are the different methods of freezing for a whole garlic bulb, peeled garlic cloves, and chopped/minced garlic?
Can you freeze peeled garlic cloves?
Yes, you can freeze garlic cloves. Though some people think frozen garlic isn’t quite as good as fresh, it’s still a good remedy to practice, saving up any excess garlic that you may have.
There is no trick to freezing garlic cloves, however, there is a key technique that involves peeling an entire case of garlic to make the process of freezing the cloves faster and easier. Here’s a video from freshbitesdaily.com to help learn this timesaving technique.
Here are several ways to freeze garlic cloves:
1. Blend – Place the peeled garlic cloves into a blender or food processor and add a bit of water and finely mince it. Place the puree in ice cube trays or on a thin silicone sheet.
2. Peel the garlic cloves and freeze them whole in a canning jar.
3. Peel individuals cloves and chop or crush them and wrap tightly in plastic freezer wrap or aluminum foil, or place in an airtight container or freezer bag
How do you store peeled garlic in the freezer?
You can store frozen peeled garlic in Tupperware. freezer bags. or any container that can be safely stored in the freezer.
- Place peeled garlic cloves in a canning jar – Simply peel the cloves and place them all in a canning jar. Though most people place their garlic cloves in baking sheets or plastic freezer bags, you can protect the rest of your freezer stash and keep them pungent free with the use of a glass jar.
- Place garlic in break-resistant plastic containers like Tupperware – To avoid damage from freezing and so the containers don’t break.
- Place peeled garlic cloves in foil or plastic wrap – Chop and peel the garlic cloves one by one, wrap them in a plastic wrap or foil, and place them inside a resealable plastic freezer bag.
- Place garlic in ice trays – This is the perfect storage for minced garlic or garlic paste, make sure to cover the ice trays with a lid when freezing and repack the garlic tightly in plastic wrappings when frozen solid.
Can you freeze whole garlic bulbs?
Yes, you can freeze whole unpeeled garlic bulbs. Freezing the whole bulbs are great for those who’re looking to use a lot of garlic in their future recipes and dishes.
Freezing garlic will make the fresh garlic lose its original firm texture. Though it keeps its strong, potent flavor.
For a whole bulb of garlic, make sure to check them if they’re ready for harvest and to be frozen (fresh garlic will feel firm and don’t have wet spots, mold, or have green shoots on the head).
How do you freeze whole garlic bulbs?
When selecting the whole garlic bulbs, make sure to leave cloves unpeeled if freezing the entire head.
Freeze Whole Heads:
- Get whole garlic bulbs – Choose quality garlic bulbs and clean it thoroughly by removing any dirt by washing it with water or just wipe it off gently.
- Do not peel – Leave the head unpeeled.
- Transfer to appropriate containers – Place in appropriate containers such as a resealable freezer bag.
- Label the containers – Label the package with the date, it’s important to note when freezing a whole garlic bulb.
- Freeze – Store at 0ºF, this can last between 10 to 12 months.
- Use – When you want to use the frozen garlic, simply peel off a clove and use it normally (There’s no need to thaw it since it can be easily sliced or grated).
Can you freeze chopped/minced garlic?
We know that peeled garlic cloves and whole garlic bulbs can be frozen, but can finely chop garlic or minced garlic be frozen? The answer to that is a resounding yes!
Even the tiniest cuts of garlic can be frozen you just have to properly execute it, Monica from the yummylife.com called this method “The mince-and-freeze method,” and it’s a great way to freeze leftover garlic and it’s a healthier option compared to ready-made jarred chopped garlic.
How do you freeze chopped/minced garlic?
You can chop already peeled cloves and place them into snack-size bags which will result in a frozen thin layer. That can easily be broken off when needed.
Here’s a more thorough step-by-step guide on how to freeze chopped/minced garlic:
- Get fresh garlic – You can buy peeled or unpeeled whole garlic bulbs that are readily available in markets.
- Peel garlic – If you bought peeled whole garlic bulbs, check this method out for easier and faster peeling.
- Choose your preferred oil – Oil is used to prevent the garlic from over freezing, making it easier to break off when needed.
- Blend the garlic cloves – Add the peeled garlic cloves into a blender or food processor until it’s evenly chopped and minced. You may add oil between pulses if necessary.
- Place mixture in a pan – Place a plastic wrap on top of a shallow pan or baking sheet pan and simply spread the minced garlic evenly over the pan and make it smooth and flat.
- Cut accordingly – You may cut the flat minced garlic mixture with a chopper tool or large knife according to the measurement to your liking.
- Cover the pan – Cover the pan with a lid or plastic and place it in the freezer and wait for it to turn solid (at least 4 hours).
- Cut and place in freezer bags – Following your measurements, cut the frozen grid into 4 large rectangles and wrap them each in plastic and place them in a resealable freezer bag.
- Use – Easily break off the needed amount of frozen garlic.
How to make garlic paste?
You can also create and freeze garlic paste, but making the actual mixture can be tricky. Frozen garlic paste won’t have the firm and crunchy texture of fresh garlic, but the flavor stays strong and prominent. Here’s a video for a brief insight on how to make garlic paste.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on making garlic paste:
- Fresh garlic – Get fresh garlic bulbs and peel each clove completely and remove the protruding green sprouts.
- Chop peeled garlic – Use a sharp knife and start chopping the peeled garlic cloves finely and add some salt to fasten the chopping process since it helps break the garlic down further and making it softer.
- Food processor – If you want to make a large batch of frozen garlic paste, it’s best to use a blender or food processor.
- Place garlic paste into resealable freezer storage bags – You may use a knife to evenly partition your garlic paste in each bag to easily break off the needed amount.
- Label bags – It’s ideal to label the freezer bag the date it was made; you can store garlic in the freezer for up to 10 to 12 months. But It’s advised to limit it to 3 months for frozen garlic paste to ensure the best flavor.
- Use – Easily break off the needed amount of garlic.
Now that we have disclosed the many benefits and methods of freezing garlic and answered our question of if the different types of garlic slices such as whole garlic bulbs, chopped/minced garlic, and garlic paste can be frozen. And have been provided the step-by-step guides on how to freeze each type.
Throughout this article, have you questioned yourself if there are risks intact when freezing garlic? What are the health benefits of freezing garlic? And what is it good for? Read on to find out more.
What is frozen garlic good for?
Frozen garlic is good for those who’re looking for healthier and more convenient access to garlic when cooking dishes, though frozen garlic may lose its original firm and crunchy texture, its strong taste remains.
So, you can still have quality and don’t have to sacrifice it for convenience.
Here are more reasons why frozen garlic is a good thing to have in your freezers:
- Frozen garlic is a good alternative to jarred ready-made chopped garlic and other types of garlic, it’s healthier and more budget friendly.
- Avoid wasting excess garlic by freezing them, saving you time on future peeling of fresh garlic and saving you money.
- Besides being healthier compared to jarred garlic, frozen garlic lacks the chemical taste that comes with some jarred garlic products.
- Having frozen garlic is convenient since you can just grab some and chuck it in your recipes and dishes without the hassle of peeling and slicing fresh garlic.
Does freezing garlic destroy allicin?
What is Allicin? It’s a compound produced by fresh garlic once it’s crushed or chopped, but does freezing garlic destroys allicin? The answer is no. Freezing garlic is a method to keep the health benefits of garlic longer.
Allicin has been proven to reduce inflammation and offer various antioxidant benefits.
Here is a way to keep the health benefits of garlic intact:
- Peel the individual garlic cloves and freeze them on a sheet tray.
- Store them in a safe resealable freezer bag until needed.
- Using a grater, grate the frozen garlic and let it stand for about 10 to 15 minutes (this gives the Allicin a chance to form from the broken garlic cells since it is produced when garlic is chopped or minced).
- According to Victoria Rehn, a professional chef practicing nutritious cooking for over 30 years, “Allicin when formed is heat stable, cooking the thawed garlic immediately after cutting breaks down the alliinase enzyme and prevents it from reacting with alliniin thus forming Allicin.”
Can you get botulism from garlic?
Yes, garlic can cause botulism. They pick up the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that is the primary cause of botulism from the soil.
This is why when coating garlic with oil, it’s important to swiftly place them in freezers as soon as possible because since garlic is a low acid food when placed in oil it’s surrounding environment will lack oxygen making this the perfect growing conditions for Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for producing a botulism-causing toxin.
Signs and symptoms of Botulism
- A person may experience nausea and vomiting
- Severe abdominal cramping
- Difficulty in breathing
- Droopy eyelids
- Dry mouth
Important note:
Botulism can be fatal, if the botulism toxin develops in the garlic and is consumed, death can occur in a few days without proper medical intervention.
When using frozen garlic always directly chuck it in the dish you’re preparing, never let it stand for a long time at room temperature.
This is stated guidelines by the USDA on garlic in oil:
Research performed by the University of Georgia confirmed that mixtures of garlic in oil stored at room temperature are at risk for the development of botulism. Garlic in oil should be made fresh and stored in the refrigerator at 40 °F (4.4 °C) or lower for no more than 7 days. It may be frozen for several months. Package in glass freezer jars or plastic freezer boxes, leaving ½-inch headspace. Label, date, and freeze. For more information, see Garlic: Safe Methods to Store, Preserve, and Enjoy.
How much garlic can you eat in a day?
Garlic harbors many health benefits; therefore, many people consume this vegetable aside from using it to add flavors to many dishes. How much garlic should one eat daily? According to ecowatch.com for a person to gain the health benefits of garlic, they should consume raw garlic cloves two to three times per day.
Consuming too much garlic can be hazardous to health can cause discomforts such as bloating, diarrhea, and an upset stomach. It can also cause a person to develop bad breath and body odor.
Can you freeze garlic in a Mason jar?
Not many jars are suitable for being stored in the freezer. Hence prior to placing them in such a low temperature. it’s best to make sure that it can be in fact stored there. What’s more, garlic is best stored in a Tupperware. freezer bags since it allows easier access, so sticking to this way of storing it is the safest and most efficient method.
Can the same method be used to freeze both garlic and tomatoes?
Yes, the freezing tomatoes technique can also be used to freeze garlic. Both can be frozen using the same method to preserve their freshness and flavor. Simply peel and store the cloves or tomatoes in a resealable bag or airtight container before freezing.
Can I Use Sterilized Mason Jars to Store Frozen Garlic?
Yes, you can use sterilized mason jars to store frozen garlic. To do this, make sure the jars are completely clean and free of any debris. Follow the sterilize mason jars complete guide to ensure the jars are properly sanitized before filling them with the frozen garlic for long-term storage.
Conclusion
No matter how you freeze garlic, no matter what type of garlic you use from whole unpeeled garlic bulbs from minced or chopped garlic, be sure to seal it in an appropriate container so the garlic’s pungent odor can be sealed and not affect other stuff in the freezer, also, make sure to not leave the garlic in room temperature for too long to avoid contracting botulism.
