Lay garlic bulbs in a single layer on a drying rack with a mesh screen and a fan, or hang them from the ceiling with hooks, twine, or mesh bags. [3] X Research source Small bulbs cure faster than large ones, and curing takes less time in low humidity. The minimum time to cure garlic completely is 10 to 14 days. Curing is complete when the outer skin is dry and crispy, the neck is constricted, and the center of the stem is hard.
The stems and roots can be trimmed before, during, or after curing. [5] X Research source
When the humidity is low (below 75%), cured garlic bulbs can last up to 2 months at room temperature. [7] X Research source For long-term storage, keep cured bulbs around 30 °F (−1 °C). With good airflow, they’ll last up to 7 months. Replant the biggest bulbs for next year’s crop. [8] X Research source Store these bulbs at around 50 °F (10 °C) in low humidity (below 70%).
Lay additional stalks over the piece in the center of the braid with the bulb hanging just below the cluster to add them to the braid. Tie the end of the braid with jute or raffia. It’s easier to braid soft-neck varieties of garlic than hard-neck types. To braid hard-neck garlic, wrap the stems in a warm, damp towel to soften them up first. Hang your garlic braid away from heat and light to prevent sprouting and extend the bulbs’ shelf life.
Alternatively, shake the cloves hard between 2 metal bowls or in a cocktail shaker to separate the cloves from the skin, or microwave the cloves for 20 seconds to loosen the skin. If you buy pre-peeled garlic cloves, plan to dry them within 48 hours of purchase for the best results. [11] X Research source
Lay your garlic pieces on the tray in a single layer so that no pieces are touching each other. This is easier with larger pieces than finely minced pieces. [14] X Research source
For even and thorough drying, don’t set your oven above 140 °F (60 °C). [16] X Research source
Dried minced garlic doesn’t truly spoil—it just loses its flavor and aroma over time. To test it, crush some to taste and smell. If it’s weak, replace it. [19] X Research source
Alternatively, place a whole bulb (with the outer layers of skin peeled off) in the microwave for 20 seconds to steam and loosen the cloves from their wrappings. If you buy pre-peeled garlic cloves, start drying them within 48 hours of purchase for the best results. [21] X Research source
Garlic doesn’t require any pretreatment before dehydrating. Once it’s chopped and on the tray, it’s ready to dry out.
Follow the recommended instructions in your dehydrator’s directions. The garlic is done dehydrating when the pieces are crispy or brittle and they’ve started to turn brown.
Test your dried garlic for freshness by crumbling it up and tasting or smelling it. If the flavor or aroma is weak, it’s past its peak quality. [28] X Research source
Be gentle when removing garlic from the ground. If you pull too hard, injuries can form at the stem-bulb junction and get infected.
Remember that it’s usually better to harvest too soon rather than too late, especially in a wet year (your garlic bulbs might “pop” if they’re left too long).
If needed, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to help remove dirt. Use damaged bulbs or those with exposed cloves right away instead of drying them. Since the cloves are protected by skin, there’s no need to wash your garlic. It’ll only add moisture and reduce the garlic’s shelf life.
