1. Harvesting And Choosing

Before you dry garlic, ensure they are ready to harvest if you have a farm. If you do not know how to harvest garlic, it is simple. Wait until most leaves are green and gently pull them out. If you pull too hard, injuries can form and infect it.

You can slice one open to see if they are ready. Cut open sideways to reveal the cloves. If they seem loose and are not filling their wrappers, the garlic needs more time. Garlic should be firm and healthy with dry, papery skin.

2. Separating Cloves

Once you are done harvesting and selecting, gently break apart the garlic bulb to separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves. The bulb retains moisture and can lead to sprouts.

Additionally, individual cloves are convenient. You can use however much you want, and most recipes call for garlic cloves as well. The garlic flavor is also stronger when a bulb is broken apart.

3. Trimming Cloves

For this step, you need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Place a garlic clove on the cutting board with the pointed end facing away from you. With the sharp knife, carefully slice off a small portion, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the root end. 

Refrain from cutting too much off the root end, as you do not want to damage the clove. Although trimming is essential for drying, you can skip this step for immediate use. You can leave the root end if you are using the garlic right away.

4. Peeling Skin

Now, peel off the papery skin from each clove. Do it gently and try to remove as much skin as possible. You can peel the skin of the cloves by smashing them with the flat side of a large knife and then pulling off the loosened skin. 

You can also shake the cloves hard between 2 metal bowls to separate the cloves from the skin or microwave the cloves for 10 seconds to loosen the skin. Do note that garlic with skin keeps longer in the fridge. So, if you are not drying all of the garlic, you can keep the skin on and put it in the fridge. 

5. Choosing A Location

You should dry your garlic in a well-ventilated, warm, dry area with good air circulation. Some good options include:

• Airing cupboard: This is a traditional location used for drying food. It is usually located in the kitchen and has built-in ventilation.
• Warm attic: An attic that is well-ventilated and not too hot can be a good spot for drying garlic.
• Sunny room with good airflow: A spare room with an open window is also suitable.

Avoid basements, laundry rooms, and damp corners, as they can promote mold growth. You should be on the lookout for mold while drying.

6. Hanging Garlic

There are two main methods for air-drying garlic, and one of them is hanging. Hanging garlic for drying is a simple and space-saving method.

Single Clove Method

• Cut a piece of twine about 6-8 inches long. 
• Fold it in half to create a loop. 
• Thread the loop at the open end around the base of a garlic clove and pull both ends of the twine to secure it tightly. 
• This creates a single clove hanger.
• Hang the individual clove from hooks, nails, or a drying rack positioned in your chosen location. 
• Ensure the cloves are spaced for proper air circulation.

Bunch Method

• If single bundling is too time-consuming for you, you can make a bunch. Make bunches of 5 to 10 cloves. 
• Lay the cloves next to each other with the stem ends facing the same direction.
• Cut a long piece of twine and wrap it securely around the base of the bunch several times.
• Tie a knot to create a loop for hanging.
• Hang the garlic bunches from sturdy hooks, nails, or a rafter in your drying area. 
• Maintain space between the bunches for air circulation.

7. Spreading Garlic

Another way to dry garlic is to spread them on a drying tray on a baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Alternatively, use a mesh drying tray that allows air circulation. Spread the garlic cloves in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or drying tray.

Ensure the cloves are not touching each other for proper drying. If it is too humid, consider using a dehumidifier to speed up drying. You can flip the garlic cloves occasionally during drying to ensure even exposure to air.

8. Using Dehydrator

After spreading the garlic, you can air dry or dry them in a dehydrator. Set the dehydrator to a temperature of around 125°F (52°C). This temperature dries the garlic without cooking, preserving its flavor and nutrients. Dry the garlic slices for 8 to 12 hours.

The exact duration will vary based on the thickness of the slices, the humidity level, and the effectiveness of your dehydrator. Check on your garlic slices regularly to monitor their dryness.

9. Drying Time

It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for the garlic to dry, but this might vary depending on the size of the cloves, humidity levels, and air circulation. Larger cloves take longer to dry than smaller cloves. Slicing the cloves in half can speed up drying.

Garlic dries faster in a dry environment, so consider using a dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate. Additionally, good air circulation is essential for even drying, so flip your garlic often and do not crowd them on the baking sheet.

10. Signs Of Dried Garlic

There are a few things you should look for to know if your garlic has dried properly. 

Visual

• Appearance: The garlic cloves should be dry and slightly shrunken in size compared to fresh cloves. They will have a papery texture and a more concentrated look.
• Color: The color of dried garlic can vary depending on the variety and drying method. Generally, it should be a light to medium brown color. If garlic is dark or black, it could indicate scorching or spoilage.

Touch

• Properly dried garlic cloves should be firm but have a slight flexibility when you gently bend them.
• They should not feel mushy or soft.
• They should not be brittle or crumble easily. Brittleness indicates over-drying, which can affect flavor and texture.
• If you did not peel the skin, it should be dry and easy to rub off with your fingers.
• Dried garlic should possess its signature scent. But is slightly less intense than fresh garlic.
• If the aroma is weak or nonexistent, the garlic might be overdried.

11. Storing Dried Garlic

Once you have successfully dried your garlic, store it properly to maintain its flavor and quality for as long as possible. Use an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture exposure and contamination.

Glass jars with screw-on lids are ideal. You might need a larger jar for whole cloves, but if the garlic is crushed or ground, a smaller spice jar might be suitable. After putting the garlic in the jars, mark the container with the date you dried the garlic for reference.

Lookout For Mold

While looking out for signs of perfectly dried garlic, also be on the lookout for mold growth. Mold on dried garlic appears green, white, or blue with a fuzzy or powdery texture. It might appear as small patches or cover larger areas of the clove.

Mold can be small spots or larger patches with fuzzy threads. If you see any mold, discard it immediately. Mold can produce harmful toxins if ingested. Do not cut away the moldy parts and use the remaining garlic, as the mold spores can spread throughout the clove and might not be visible.

Shelf Life Of Dried Garlic

The shelf life of dried garlic depends on storage conditions and the form of stored garlic. The method you employ for drying garlic can significantly impact how long the garlic will retain its flavor and quality.

In general, properly dried garlic cloves can last for up to 6 months, sometimes even longer. If the garlic is crushed or ground, it will last up to four months due to increased surface area exposure to air.

Factors Affecting Shelf Life

Storage Conditions

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and longevity of dried garlic. Store dried garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place to maximize its shelf life.

Excess heat, humidity, and light can significantly shorten the shelf life by promoting mold growth and flavor degradation. Use airtight containers to keep moisture and air out, preserving the garlic’s flavor and quality.

Form of Garlic

The form in which the garlic is stored also affects its shelf life. Whole dried garlic cloves generally last longer than crushed or ground garlic. Whole cloves can retain their quality for up to 6 months, sometimes even longer, under optimal storage conditions.

Crushed or ground garlic, on the other hand, has an increased surface area exposed to air, which causes it to lose flavor more quickly. This form typically lasts up to four months.

Tips for Extending Shelf Life

Proper Drying Techniques

The initial drying process plays a significant role in how long dried garlic will last. Ensure that garlic cloves are thoroughly dried before storage. Use a dehydrator or oven set at a low temperature to remove moisture evenly. Avoid over-drying, as this can cause the garlic to become brittle and lose its flavor.

Optimal Storage Practices

To extend the shelf life of dried garlic, follow these storage practices:

• Use Airtight Containers: Store dried garlic in airtight containers to prevent moisture and air from entering.
• Cool and Dark Locations: Keep the containers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Avoid Humidity: Ensure that the storage area is dry and free from excess humidity.

Benefits Of Drying Garlic

Extended Shelf Life

Drying garlic significantly extends its shelf life. Fresh garlic contains moisture. Drying removes this moisture, making it difficult for mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms that thrive in moist environments to grow.

This significantly reduces the risk of spoilage.  Fresh garlic can also sprout if stored for an extended period in warm, humid conditions. Drying prevents sprouts and allows you to store it for months without spoilage.

Ready-To-Use

Dried garlic is convenient to use. Whether the garlic is in slices, flakes, or powder, it eliminates the need for peeling and chopping, saving time and effort. It is always ready to use, saving time in meal preparation.

It can be directly added to recipes. The long shelf life means it is always available, reducing the hassle of frequent shopping. 

Concentrated Flavor

Dried garlic has a much-concentrated flavor because all the moisture has been removed. This removal intensifies the natural garlic oils and compounds responsible for its taste.

As water evaporates, the flavors become more potent, allowing a smaller amount of dried garlic to deliver a stronger, richer garlic taste than fresh garlic. This concentration enhances the overall flavor profile of dishes, making dried garlic a powerful seasoning in cooking.

Nutritional Retention

Dried garlic retains much of its nutritional value through the drying process. Key nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese, and selenium are preserved. The beneficial compounds, including allicin, which provides garlic's antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, remain largely intact.

By removing moisture but maintaining the essential nutrients, dried garlic offers health benefits similar to fresh garlic, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Space-Saving

Dried garlic is space-saving because it significantly reduces in volume compared to fresh garlic. The drying removes moisture, compacting the garlic into a smaller, lightweight form.

This means that a large quantity of fresh garlic can be condensed into a small container of dried garlic. It also avoids refrigeration or special storage condition needs, allowing for easy organization and storage in a pantry or spice cabinet.

Versatility

Dried garlic is versatile because it can be used in many different ways. You can sprinkle it as flakes, stir it into dishes, or grind it into a fine powder.

This makes it easy to add garlic flavor to anything from soups and stews to marinades and rubs. Plus, it blends well with other spices and ingredients. 

Ease of Transportation

Dried garlic is easy to transport. It is lightweight and compact compared to fresh garlic. It does not need refrigeration and will not spoil quickly, so you can take it with you on trips or store it in your pantry without worry.

The small, sealed containers or bags it comes in make it simple to pack and carry. This makes dried garlic a convenient option for home cooks and travelers who want to add garlic flavor wherever they go.