Once you bring garlic home, storage becomes just as important as the quality of the bulb you purchased.

For whole bulbs, choose a location that is:

• Cool
• Dry
• Dark or away from strong sunlight
• Well ventilated

Avoid keeping whole garlic in a place that is consistently hot and humid.

Avoid sealing whole bulbs in airtight plastic bags if moisture can become trapped inside.

And remember that peeled or chopped garlic is different.

Once the cloves are prepared, they are more vulnerable to spoilage and should be stored appropriately rather than treated like an intact bulb.

If you prepare garlic in oil, pay particular attention to food-safety guidance.

When in doubt, don't rely on smell or appearance alone to decide whether a homemade preserved mixture is safe.

Is Garlic Actually Good for You?

Yes, garlic can be part of a healthy diet.

It contains sulfur-containing compounds and other plant compounds that have been studied for potential health effects.

One compound people often hear about is allicin, which forms when garlic is cut, crushed, or otherwise damaged.

Research has investigated garlic's potential relationship with cardiovascular risk factors, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other aspects of health.

But there is an important distinction between saying:

“Garlic contains compounds being studied for potential health benefits”

and claiming:

“Garlic prevents disease.”

The second statement goes much further than the evidence supports.

Garlic should be considered a flavorful food that can contribute to a balanced diet, not a replacement for prescribed medication or medical treatment.