Detailed Explanation of Garlic Bulb Storage and Freshness-Preservation Techniques

After garlic bulbs are harvested, they enter a dormant period and are extremely sensitive to the surrounding environment during storage (such as temperature and humidity); a slight lapse in care can easily lead to rot and spoilage. Several traditional freshness-preservation techniques are introduced below:

Mixed storage with chaff: first spread a 2 cm thick layer of chaff on the bottom of the storage container (or basket), then follow the method of stacking one layer of garlic bulbs (a height of 2-3 bulbs is appropriate) and covering it with a full layer of chaff, piling up the already air-dried garlic bulbs layer by layer. When the pile reaches 4-5 cm from the mouth of the storage container, completely cover the garlic bulbs with chaff. This method mainly uses chaff to maintain the accumulation of carbon dioxide and the relative reduction of oxygen content in the storage environment, thereby effectively inhibiting the respiration of garlic bulbs and achieving the purpose of extending garlic bulb storage.

Mat-enclosed bin storage: choose a site with higher terrain, dry soil and good drainage. Place sleepers on the ground, spread straw on top, then use straw mats (or willow twigs or pagoda tree twigs) to weave a round bin about 100 cm in diameter and about 150 cm high; each bin can store 800-900 kg of garlic bulbs. Put the dried garlic bulbs into the bin, pile them into a conical shape at the top, then cover with 2-3 layers of reed mats, surround the bin on all sides with mats, bind 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 2-3 days to promptly remove moisture inside the bin and discard rotten and diseased garlic bulbs. After winter begins, cold-protection measures should be taken to prevent freezing damage. In the middle and later stages of storage, turning the bin is generally not necessary, so as to ensure a good sealed environment inside the bin and provide a certain spontaneous atmosphere-regulation effect. As long as ventilation, coolness and low temperature are maintained, this method can achieve a relatively good storage and freshness-preservation effect.