A Complete Analysis of Garlic Winter Storage Methods and Preservation Techniques

Garlic bulbs can be stored before the surface soil freezes by digging a storage trench in a shaded spot on higher ground, with a depth of 50-60 cm and a width of 60-70 cm; the trench length can be determined by the amount to be stored. Begin placing them into the trench for storage when the local temperature drops to 1-2°C. 2-3 days before storage, dry the garlic bulbs thoroughly to reduce their moisture content. When burying them, raise the bottom of the trench by 5-10 cm with bricks or wooden sticks, then pile the garlic bulbs on top, stacking until they are 15-20 cm from the ground surface. Above the garlic bulbs, build a shelter with wooden sticks, straw curtains, and the like, and then cover the surrounding area tightly with soil to prevent air leakage. When covering the shelter, tie 1 thin tube vertically on one side of the shelter, and hang 1 thermometer inside the tube so that changes in the trench temperature can be measured at any time. During storage, the temperature inside the trench should be kept at 0-10°C; when the air temperature is below -8°C, add straw curtains to retain moisture, and remove them promptly after the temperature rises again. After snowfall in winter, clear away the accumulated snow before it melts to prevent snowmelt from flowing into the trench. This storage method keeps the garlic seed at a low temperature below 0°C, with respiration stopped or semi-stopped, reducing the nutrient consumption of the garlic seed; the garlic seed is firm and its color is snow-white.