How to Keep Fresh Chopped Garlic

Last Updated: June 27, 2017

If you hate the thought of having to prepare freshly minced or chopped garlic regularly, here is a neat way to produce a lot in one go and then to store it for up to a week for use in later meals. This method can also be used for any extra garlic you find is leftover after cooking.

Ingredients

Garlic cloves (as required)
Olive oil

Steps

1
Peel more garlic than the recipe requires. This will give you a supply for the next one or two meals.
2
Mince or chop as usual.
3
Place the excess garlic into a clean jar that has a lid. Cover with olive oil.
4
Store in the refrigerator. Remove and add to dishes as needed.
5
Use up within a week. Make a new batch the next time you're cooking with garlic.

Community Q&A

Question

Why does garlic turn green after crushing?

Community Answer

The crushing allows chemicals normally locked away from each other to connect, and when conditions are right this creates a green or blue color.
Question

Does chopped garlic in food in the refrigerator go bad?

Community Answer

It will be good for a couple of days. Anything left too long in the refrigerator will eventually go bad.
Question

I left peeled garlic on the counter in a plastic bag, is it safe to use?

Community Answer

If you've only removed the outer papery skin of the garlic, the individual cloves will definitely keep out of the fridge, especially if you left it just one night. However, if you made cuts into the actual cloves themselves, be more careful in using. Garlic's strong juices naturally kill of any invading bacteria that could make you sick, but keep in mind that if you see any mold, dispose of the garlic.
Question

I am canning pickles in the morning, and I have cut and peeled the garlic. What is the best way to store it overnight? Do I put it in a bag in the fridge, or leave it out?

Community Answer

Put it in a bag in the fridge. The less air trapped in the bag, the better.
Question

Can I freeze chopped garlic?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Freeze it in an airtight container, or alternatively, you can freeze individual portions (a teaspoon or so - however much chopped garlic you usually use at once) on a baking sheet so you only have to defrost one serving of chopped garlic at a time.
Question

After the garlic has gone green, is it still okay to eat?

Community Answer

No. If your chopped garlic has turned green, then it is no longer safe for you to eat.
Question

After the garlic has gone green, is it still okay to eat?

Community Answer

No. This means it is moldy and you will get sick from it. You will want to throw this away.
Question

How long can I keep fresh peeled whole garlic cloves topped with olive oil, stored in glass jar in the fridge?

Community Answer

You can keep them in the fridge about 1-2 weeks. If it looks moldy, throw it out.
Question

Can I freeze chopped garlic for later usage?

Community Answer

Yes, it will stay for a while in the freezer. Just heat it up to use it later.