Garlic Benefits and How to Store It

As much as my stomach hates it, garlic is an ingredient I have a hard time cooking without. After all, I’m an Italian-American born and raised in New Jersey, so it’s seemingly part of my DNA. Like many alliums, garlic is a foundational ingredient of many cultures, but one thing that sets it apart is how healthy it is. Eating these cloves regularly could help boost your immune system, lower cholesterol, improve gut health, aid in blood pressure and improve blood sugar. It also contains a fair amount of antioxidants, making it an inflammation-friendly food.     

To reap the benefits of garlic, you must store it properly, whether in a wire basket or a ceramic keeper. Always use fresh garlic over pre-minced or bottled garlic: Not only does it taste better when you cut it yourself, but you also preserve its levels of allicin, an immune-boosting and potentially cancer-combating compound. Below are our best storage tips, including ways to keep these bulbs away from moisture, light and excessive heat.   

Best Garlic Storage Methods 

Caxxa Wire Basket

By and large, the best way to store garlic bulbs is in a wire basket. This Caxxa one is excellent because it’s wide open all over, allowing for proper air circulation from the bottom to the top. I recommend keeping this in your pantry; that way, the garlic is shielded from light, which can cause early spoilage. If you don’t have a pantry, you should still keep it in a dark, dry place at room temperature—the refrigerator is too cold and high in moisture. You can also store your garlic with onions and shallots in this bowl, as they’re all in the same allium family. 

Henry Watson Terracotta Garlic Keeper

Terracotta is an excellent material for storing garlic because it absorbs excess moisture in the air, warding off mold. This terracotta garlic keeper features holes on the bottom to ensure proper air circulation. You can even leave this on your counter due to the keeper’s light-shielding capabilities, so it’s great if you don’t have a convenient dark storage space.

Amazon Basics Stackable Metal Wire Rectangular Storage Basket Set

I like that these baskets have a slender rectangular shape, letting you slide them into corners and cabinets more easily. Two come in the set, so you could use one for your garlic and another for onions or shallots, and they’re stackable to make the most of vertical space. My only note: Never store potatoes with your alliums, because their gases can cause premature spoiling. If you intend to store different ingredients in one of these baskets, make sure to check whether they should interact. 

Fox Run White Ceramic Garlic Keeper

Another garlic keeper, this version is white and made of a different ceramic material that’ll still work wonderfully—it’s unglazed to maintain its moisture-absorbing capabilities. It has a bulbous base with holes at the bottom, fitted with two cute handles on either side. The included lid keeps sunlight out. 

Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bag Set

If you have leftover peeled cloves that are already peeled, store them for later in the refrigerator; just be sure to use them as soon as possible, no longer than a week after peeling. Stasher’s reusable bags are excellent for storage since they seal tightly and are slim and flexible enough not to take up unnecessary space. The silicone is thick enough to ensure garlic smells won’t permeate your refrigerator, either. 

Souper Cubes 2-Tablespoon Silicone Freezer Mold Set

If you cook a lot, you know how helpful it is to have pre-minced garlic around. We always think it’s better to cut your own, and luckily, products like Souper Cubes exist to make the process seamless. I love this brand’s high-quality silicone molds that come with handy lids. This option has 10 2-tablespoon compartments for storing minced cloves. Pop it in the freezer and grab garlic as needed.