Avoiding Garlic-Related Odor After Consumption
In the heart of summer, gardeners can look forward to harvesting one of nature's most flavourful and versatile vegetables - garlic. The optimal time to dig up this aromatic bulb is when the lower two to three leaves of the plant start to brown, while five to six leaves at the top remain green. This balance indicates the bulbs are mature but not overripe, ensuring that the cloves remain intact.
To ensure a successful garlic harvest, there are a few key tips to follow. Firstly, stop watering the garlic once leaves begin to decline and aim to harvest during dry weather, as this aids the curing process. Secondly, use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen and lift the bulbs instead of pulling by the stalks, which can break easily. After harvesting, shake off excess soil by hand, but avoid washing the bulbs before curing.
Once harvested, garlic needs to be cured for 3 to 8 weeks in a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight, such as a garage, porch, or shed. Proper curing allows the skins to dry and toughen, which improves storage life. It is essential to avoid leaving garlic in direct sun as it can damage the bulbs.
After curing, garlic can be trimmed. The roots can be cut, and the stalks can be removed (if desired), although garlic stores best with its leaves still on if space allows. Cured garlic should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place with good airflow to maintain quality over months.
It is important to note that harvesting garlic after late July could result in losing the entire crop. Additionally, if a garlic scape has straightened, it's an indication to harvest soon. Trimmed garlic can then be stored for future use.
Following these guidelines will ensure the best flavor, longevity, and quality of the garlic bulbs. Happy harvesting!
After harvesting the mature garlic, it's crucial to cure them for 3 to 5 weeks in a well-ventilated, shaded location, such as a garage or shed, to improve their storage life. To ensure the bulbs are properly cured, avoid direct sunlight and store them in a cool, dry place with good airflow.
