Today, I just discovered 3 super easy garlic storage hacks that keep garlic fresh for a whole year without rotting!

Garlic is a familiar spice in every Vietnamese kitchen, yet many people don’t actually know how to store it properly — myself included. But recently, I found these “invaluable” garlic preservation tricks.

Garlic is a staple seasoning in cooking — essential for stir-frying, braising, and even cold dishes. But every time I bought garlic, it would sprout or rot, which drove me crazy! Have you ever faced the same problem?

Don’t worry — today I’ll reveal some super practical storage tips to keep garlic fresh all year round so you’ll never waste garlic again!

Why does garlic sprout and rot?

• High temperature: Garlic “wakes up” and starts sprouting easily in hot conditions. Especially in summer, when the kitchen heats up, garlic can grow shoots in no time.

• High humidity: A damp environment is the main culprit behind rotting garlic. Too much moisture causes mold on the garlic skin and damages the inside.

• Too much sunlight: Direct sunlight speeds up garlic’s metabolism, making it sprout and shrivel.

3 super practical garlic storage hacks

• Moisture-proof method with tea: Place garlic in a clean paper bag along with a few packets of dried tea leaves (or food-grade desiccants). Tea absorbs excess moisture and keeps garlic dry. This method is simple and easy but only suitable for storing small amounts of garlic.

• Ventilated hanging method: Braid garlic into bunches and hang them in a cool, airy place. Make sure the environment is dry and avoid direct sunlight. This is a traditional method, perfect for storing large amounts of garlic.

• Salt moisture-absorbing method: Spread a layer of salt at the bottom of a sealed container, place garlic on top, and cover with another layer of salt. The salt absorbs moisture and prevents rotting. This method offers excellent humidity control and works well for long-term storage.

3 things you should never do when storing garlic

• Never use plastic bags directly: Plastic traps moisture, causing garlic to sweat and rot.

• Never leave garlic on balconies or windowsills: Direct sunlight speeds up sprouting and ruins garlic’s edibility.

• Avoid storing in the refrigerator: Garlic sprouts quickly in the fridge due to high humidity. Peeled garlic also molds easily when refrigerated. Instead, store it in a cool place (60–65°F), with low light and good airflow.