Add Vinegar to Garlic and Keep It Fresh for Years

Storing garlic in vinegar is an excellent way to preserve its freshness and flavor for an extended period. This method not only keeps the garlic fresh but also infuses the vinegar with a delicious garlic flavor that can be used in cooking. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients

• Fresh garlic bulbs
• White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• Glass jars with lids
• Optional: salt, herbs, and spices (such as rosemary, thyme, or peppercorns) for added flavor

Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic

1. Peel the Garlic: Separate the garlic cloves from the bulbs. Peel each clove by hand or by using the shaking method (placing cloves in a jar and shaking vigorously).
2. Optional Step: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can blanch the garlic cloves by briefly boiling them for about 1 minute and then plunging them into ice water.

2. Sterilize the Jars

1. Boil the Jars: Place the glass jars and lids in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize them. This step is crucial to prevent any contamination that could spoil the garlic.
2. Dry the Jars: Carefully remove the jars and lids from the water and let them air dry on a clean towel.

3. Pack the Jars

1. Fill with Garlic: Pack the peeled garlic cloves tightly into the sterilized jars.
2. Add Optional Flavorings: If desired, add a pinch of salt, fresh herbs, or whole spices to the jars for additional flavor.

4. Add the Vinegar

1. Heat the Vinegar: Pour the vinegar into a saucepan and heat it until it just begins to boil. This helps to ensure that the vinegar is sterilized and will preserve the garlic properly.