Do garlic keeper jars have any tangible preservation benefit?
This question got me thinking about "garlic keepers" or "garlic jars" which are a gift item in the US and probably elsewhere (see photo). My question is:
Do garlic keepers actually provide any measurable benefit in garlic preservation, longevity, flavor while ageing, or other storage factors?
My belief has always been "no", but I'm willing to be persuaded based on evidence. Ideally, this would take the form of an article citation or personal head-to-head test (pun intended).
(I've done some searching on this topic, and all of the accounts of the benefits I've found come from garlic keeper makers, which are therefore not trustworthy)
Best Answer
No citation, so not a 'real' answer; but common sense would say, "It's got air holes & it's dark" which makes it better than a sealed jar or glass jar.
Whether it's better than the cellar, outhouse or salad crisper in your average modern fridge… well, it looks pretty ;-)
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What is the point of a garlic holder?
But the absolute best way to store garlic is to use a purpose built crock called a garlic keeper, as shown above and below. I like the Le Creuset brand for this but there are many other options. The whole goal is to allow your bulbs to \u201cbreathe,\u201d extending their shelf life for up to four months.Does a garlic keeper need holes?
Garlic keepers, no matter what material they are made of, should be vented. This is especially important for nonporous materials. When buying a garlic keeper, make sure there are enough ventilation holes on it and they are big enough to provide sufficient airflow.You Should Never Use Minced Garlic From A Jar. Here's Why.
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