Though garlic sprouting is good if you’re planning on planting it, it can be a problem when you use it only for eating. All of you have probably experienced your garlic growing a little green sprout out of the top, and your onions getting moldy.
Today, we’ll give you a simple, effective and absolutely inexpensive way to extend the life of your vegetables and keep your onions and garlic fresh for months.
Ingredients
- Firm, and blemish free garlic and onions;
- Brown lunch paper bags;
- A hole punch;
- Paper clips (used to keep the bags closed).
Instructions
- Punch holes in the bags, making multiple rows of holes. Do this by folding the bag a few times and then punching in a row, spacing the punches an inch or so apart.
You could also fold the bag in half lengthwise, punching along one edge. Then flip the folded bag over and punch along the other edge, approximately 1 between punches. These holes serve for ventilation, so do not mind if they are far from perfect.
- Fill the bag up to half full, fold over the top, label it and paper clip it with the top down.
This is done so the onions, garlic, and shallots would last longer. The whole point of punching the bags is so the air can circulate around the bags.
Use the same drawers to store the bags as before, just not to crowd them. The regular plastic bags serve the cause too. They keep the bags upright and also offer room enough for the air to circulate between them. The bins can also be placed on pantry or cabinet shelves.
The specific life of these vegetables depends on the temperature, humidity, and light conditions where the bags are stored.
Extra Tips
Don’t store your onions in plastic bags! The lack of air circulation accelerates sprouting and spoilage.
Don’t keep potatoes close to your onions. The gases they give off will accelerate spoilage of each other.
Don’t store your onions in the fridge for an extended period of time. Cold temperatures soften their texture, and they will impart their flavor on surrounding products too. These vegetables will last the longest in a dark, cool, dry place. If you have one, a dark, cool basement is a great choice.
Source: Living Traditionally , Healthy Food House