Do you love garlic as much as we do? If so, we have a great tip to share with you – a simple method to keep your garlic fresh and flavorful for a whole year! This technique not only preserves the garlic, but it also boosts its natural antibiotic properties, making it a powerful health booster. Let us show you how you can easily keep your garlic intact and potent with this tried-and-true recipe.
- Fresh Garlic: 2 kilos, peeled and cleaned
- Apple or Grape Cider Vinegar: 1.5 cups (300 ml), for preservation
- Coarse Rock Salt: 1.5 tablespoons, essential for freshness
- Lemon Salt: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor and preservation
- Lemon Slices: 4 thin slices, providing vitamin C and freshness
- Bay Leaves: 2, adding flavor and antibacterial properties
- Drinking Water: Enough to fill the jars
Prepare the Garlic
Start by peeling 2 kilos of fresh garlic. It may take some time, but trust us, it’s worth it! The peeling process is important for the best preservation. Fresh garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its strong antibiotic properties.
Sterilize the Jars
To ensure the jars are clean and ready to use, thoroughly sterilize them. You can either boil the jars in water for a few minutes or run them through a hot cycle in the dishwasher. It’s important to keep everything clean to preserve the garlic effectively.
Fill the Jars
Divide the peeled garlic cloves evenly among the sterilized jars. For some extra flavor and health benefits, add a couple of thin lemon slices and one bay leaf to each jar. These ingredients will enhance the taste and provide additional nutritional value.
Prepare the Brine
In a saucepan, mix 1.5 cups of apple or grape cider vinegar, 1.5 tablespoons of coarse rock salt, and 1 teaspoon of lemon salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, making sure the salts dissolve completely. This brine will help preserve the garlic and add flavor.
Add the Brine and Water
Pour the hot vinegar mixture into the jars, ensuring that the garlic and lemon slices are fully covered. Fill the rest of each jar with drinking water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. This space allows for a vacuum seal when the jars are closed, keeping the garlic fresh.
Seal and Store
Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. Let the garlic ferment for at least two weeks before using it. The fermentation process enhances the garlic’s flavors and preservative qualities. Remember, patience is key for the best results!
- Natural Antibiotic: Garlic’s allicin fights infections and boosts immunity.
- Long-Lasting Freshness: This method keeps garlic fresh and flavorful for up to a year.
- Nutrient-Rich: The preserved garlic is rich in vitamins and minerals, including those from the lemon slices.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality garlic and organic vinegar yield the best results.
- Patience Pays Off: Allow the garlic to properly ferment to maximize its health benefits and flavor.
By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy fresh and potent garlic all year round. This method not only preserves the garlic’s natural antibiotic properties, but it also enhances its flavor, making it a wonderful addition to your meals. Try it out today and keep your garlic stash fresh and ready to use anytime!
