Question of the Week: What’s the best way to store garlic?

From Cooking Club of America

Question of the Week: September 17, 2007

What’s the best way to store garlic?

Garlic should be stored whole at cool room temperature in a dry place with good air circulation, away from heat or direct sunlight. You can purchase a covered clay garlic jar with holes in the side, which is specially designed to create these conditions. Or you can use a small, uncovered dish; place it in a kitchen cupboard or other dark, dry place. If the garlic is very plump and fresh, it should keep up to 8 weeks. Discard garlic when it loses its moisture, shrivels and sends out green shoots.

Avoid storing garlic in the refrigerator; the temperature is too cold and can cause the garlic’s flavor to diminish. Also, because damp environments encourage mold, don’t keep garlic in a plastic bag.