If you love garlic as much as we do, you’ll be thrilled to learn this secret to keeping it fresh and flavorful for an entire year! This method not only preserves garlic but also enhances its natural antibiotic properties, making it a powerful health booster. Here’s how you can keep your garlic intact and potent for up to a year using a simple, time-tested recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Fresh Garlic: 2 kilos, peeled and cleaned
- Apple or Grape Cider Vinegar: 1.5 cups (300 ml), for its preservative qualities
- Coarse Rock Salt: 1.5 tablespoons, essential for preservation
- 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
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide:
- Prepare the Garlic:
- Start by peeling 2 kilos of fresh garlic. Peeling may take a bit of time, but it’s essential for the best preservation. Fresh garlic contains allicin, a compound with strong antibiotic properties.
- Sterilize the Jars:
- Clean and sterilize your jars thoroughly. You can do this by boiling the jars in water for a few minutes or running them through a hot cycle in the dishwasher.
- Fill the Jars:
- Divide the peeled garlic cloves evenly among the sterilized jars. Add a couple of thin lemon slices and one bay leaf to each jar. These ingredients enhance the flavor and add extra health benefits.
- 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, ensuring the salts dissolve completely.
- Add the Brine and Water:
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture into the jars, covering the garlic and lemon slices. Fill the rest of the 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.
- 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 will enhance the garlic’s flavors and preservative qualities.
- Health Benefits:
- 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.
- Tips for Best Results:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality garlic and organic vinegar yield the best results.
- Patience Pays Off: Allow the garlic to ferment properly to maximize its health benefits and flavor.
- By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy fresh, potent garlic all year round. Not only does this method preserve 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!
Enjoy!