It’s important to know how to tell if garlic is bad before you cook with it. If you are not careful, you could end up getting sick from eating it. The good news is that it’s not too hard to tell. Just look for the three following things: a sour smell, green shoots, and a visible sign of decay.
A sour smell is a sure sign of a spoiled clove. You should also inspect the clove for signs of mold. Mold can be easily avoided by keeping your garlic in an airtight container. However, if you find that your garlic is mushy or moldy, then you might want to throw it away.
Garlic is a staple in many people’s kitchens. It can last a long time, but it does tend to lose its flavor and pungency over time. To get the best taste, be sure to use the freshest garlic you can buy.
The color of your garlic can tell you a lot about its quality. Darker garlic means less flavor. While it can be used in a dish, it is not as good as light-colored garlic. This is why it’s a good idea to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
There is no magic number when it comes to the shelf life of fresh garlic. It can last for several months, and even a year if stored properly. For a longer shelf life, you can freeze the unused part of the clove. Also, store it upside down in a cool, dry place.
One of the perks of storing your garlic in an airtight container is that it’s easy to tell if the clove is rotting. If it turns brown, it’s a good indication that it’s bad. That’s not to say that you should throw it out right away. But if it has only been in the refrigerator for a few weeks, it may be too late to salvage it.
Another indicator that your garlic is getting old is the appearance of sprouts. These little guys will sprout out of the middle of your cloves and give off a slightly bitter flavor. Although they can be edible, they are not a healthful addition to your meals. They are best eaten in soups or broths.
Of course, if you have a peeled clove, you need to store it in the fridge to prevent it from going bad. The best way to do this is to put it in a zip top bag. Doing this will minimize the loss of the sour smell. In addition, you should take note that it’s best to avoid chopping the clove into individual pieces. Unless it’s a small piece, chopping a garlic clove will only reduce its shelf life.
As with any food, you should be careful when storing your unused garlic. Check its color, smell, and texture to make sure that you are getting the most out of your purchase.
Even though garlic goes bad, it still has the potential to keep you healthy. Alliin, a compound in garlic, is a natural plant broad-spectrum antibiotic.
