How to Keep Garlic Fresh for a Long Time? Try These Traditional Preservation Techniques

After the summer solstice, garlic bulbs entering dormancy are extremely sensitive to their environment (temperature and humidity), and the slightest mishandling can easily lead to rot and spoilage. Several traditional garlic preservation techniques are introduced below:

1. Mixed storage with bran. First spread a layer of bran about 20 cm thick on the bottom of a storage box (or basket), then stack the dried garlic bulbs layer by layer by piling one layer of garlic bulbs (a height of 2 to 3 bulbs is appropriate) and scattering one layer of bran, and when the pile reaches 40 to 50 mm from the rim of the storage container, cover it with bran so that the garlic bulbs are completely covered. This method mainly uses the insulating properties of bran to maintain relatively stable temperature and humidity, allowing the garlic bulbs to be stored under slightly vacuum-sealed conditions.

2. Storage in a mat-lined bin. Choose a site with higher ground, dry soil and good drainage. Lay wooden boards on the ground, spread straw on top, then use straw mats (or willow or pagoda tree twigs) to weave a round bin about 100 cm in diameter and about 150 cm high (each bin can store 800 to 1,000 kg of garlic bulbs), put the harvested and dried garlic bulbs into the bin, surround the bin with mats, tie them tightly with ropes lengthwise and crosswise, and seal the bin tightly to prevent sun exposure and rain. In the early stage of storage, turn the bin once every 2 to 3 days to promptly release moisture inside and remove rotten garlic bulbs.

3. Preservation by burying in a pit. Choose a wind-sheltered, sunny spot and dig a pit 30 to 40 cm deep (the length of the pit depends on the amount to be stored). After digging the pit, promptly pour the dried garlic bulbs into it (the layer of garlic bulbs placed in the pit should be about 15 to 20 cm thick), cover them with 15 to 20 cm of soil, then water the soil until saturated, and cover tightly with plastic film. Stored by the above method, the garlic bulbs remain unspoiled until the Qingming period of the following year.