Quick Overview
Garlic , a staple factor in cuisine worldwide , is renowned for itspungent flavorand medicative property . Harvesting Allium sativum at the right clock time and followingproper techniquesis important to ensure optimum quality and storage life . Thiscomprehensive guidewill leave you with step - by - step instructions on how to harvest garlic , maximise your yield and preserving its freshness .
When to Harvest Garlic
The idealistic time toharvest garlic dependson the variety and your climate . Generally , hardneck garlicis ready for harvest in mid to recent summer , whilesoftneck garlicis glean in late summer to early drop .
Harvesting Tools
Step-by-Step Harvesting Process
1. Loosen the Soil
Use a shovel orgarden forktogently loosenthe soil around thegarlic bulbs , being careful not to damage them .
2. Dig Out the Bulbs
turn over beneath the bulbs andcarefully liftthem out of the ground . Avoid rend on the leaves , as this can damage the bulb .
3. Remove Excess Soil
Shake or sweep off anyexcess soilfrom the medulla oblongata . Do not lave them , as this can transfer their protective covering .
4. Trim the Roots
Use asharp knifeto reduce the ancestor to about 1/2 column inch in duration .
5. Remove the Scapes (Hardneck Garlic Only)
Ifharvesting hardneck garlic , cut off theflower stalks(scapes ) nigh to the incandescent lamp .
6. Cure the Garlic
Curing is substantive for dry and hardening thegarlic bulb . Place them in a well - ventilated areawith temperatures between 70 - 80 ° degree Fahrenheit and humidity between 60 - 70 % for 2 - 4 weeks .
7. Store the Garlic
Once cure , lay in the Allium sativum in a cool , dry placewithgood ventilation . Hardneck garlic can be stored for 3 - 6 calendar month , whilesoftneck garliccan last up to 12 months .
Avoiding Common Harvesting Mistakes
Tips for Harvesting Large Quantities of Garlic
Final Thoughts: Preserving the Harvest
harvest garlic is a rewarding job that ascertain a sapid and nutritious add-on to your culinary adventures . By following the steps outlined in this guide , you may successfully glean and preserve your garlic craw , savor itspungent aromaandhealth benefitsthroughout the year .
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q : Can Iharvest garlic earlyif theleaves turn brown untimely dueto drought?A : Yes , you canharvest garlic earlyif theleaves turn brownish prematurely dueto drought . However , the light bulb may be smaller and less flavourous . Q : How can Iprevent garlic bulbsfrom splitting during storage?A : Toprevent garlic bulbsfrom splitting during storage , glean them at the veracious sentence , cure them properly , and stack away them in a nerveless , dry placewith good ventilation . Q : Can I freeze garlic?A : Yes , you canfreeze garlic . skin the cloves and place them in an airtight container orfreezer bag . flash-frozen garlic can be used for up to 6 months .
