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You’ve probably experienced garlic sprouting or onions softening or even rotting in your pantry. In this article we will present a simple and inexpensive method to keep garlic and onions fresh for months.
What will you need?
For proper storage of onions and garlic you’ll need the following items:
- Firm, undamaged onions and garlic, without any signs of rot.
- Brown paper bags.
- A hole punch.
- Wires or strings to close the bags.
Storage procedure
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Preparing the bags: Take the paper bags and use the hole punch to make holes in the upper half of the bag. The holes can be in any pattern; the main thing is that they are evenly spaced, usually about 3 to 4 cm apart. These openings will ensure adequate air circulation.
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Filling the bags: Fill the bags with onions or garlic, but only up to the level where the holes begin. Do not store garlic and onions in the same bag – each type belongs in its own bag.
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Sealing the bags: Fold over the top of the bags and close them with wires or strings. It is important that the bags are not overfilled; air needs to circulate freely both around and inside them.
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Storing the bags: Store the bags where you normally keep food – in the pantry or a kitchen cupboard. It’s ideal to place the bags in plastic baskets so they don’t tip over and so air can flow freely between them.
Tips for optimal storage
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Temperature: The best temperature for storing onions and garlic is between 18 and 20 °C. Under these conditions, onions and garlic will keep for up to 3 months or even longer.
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Humidity and light: Store onions and garlic in a dry, dark place. Avoid overly humid environments, which can accelerate rotting.
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Refrigerator: Never put onions in the refrigerator, because temperatures that are too low will cause them to soften and begin affecting the taste of nearby foods.
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Plastic bags: Do not use plastic bags to store onions and garlic, as the lack of air circulation will speed up their sprouting and rotting.
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Storing with potatoes: Do not store onions and garlic together with potatoes, because the gases these foods release will accelerate their mutual spoilage.
By following these simple steps you will ensure that your garlic and onions remain fresh for a long time. Try this method and see for yourself how easy it is to keep basic kitchen staples in great condition!
