How to Preserve Garlic in Apple Cider Vinegar

Learn how to preserve garlic in apple cider vinegar, so you can store peeled cloves in the refrigerator for months at a time. If you want a quick and simple way to preserve garlic, this recipe is a wonderful option.

There are many different ways you can preserve garlic. Around here, I like to store whole garlic bulbs in my cold room, where the cloves remain firm and crisp for 5-6 months.

But when spring comes, my garlic starts to sprout and I have to find other preserving methods if I want to keep my garlic on hand.

Here are some common options.

1. Canning: garlic is safe to preserve in a water bath canner, as long as you pickle it.
2. Dehydrating: if you love garlic powder, you can try dehydrating garlic in your oven. Most folks don't use a dehydrator, because the taste can linger on trays.
3. Fermenting: this is a great way to preserve garlic, and make nutrients more available to our bodies. You can get my fermented garlic recipe here.
4. Freezing: garlic lasts for months in the deep freeze. I teach you how to freeze garlic here.
5. Vinegar: this is one of the fastest ways to preserve garlic, and I'm going to show you how!

Items You'll Need

• quart (1 litre) wide mouth glass jar
• food grade lid
• glass weight
• 12 garlic bulbs (numbers vary based on size of bulbs)
• raw apple cider vinegar (or learn to make apple cider vinegar from scratch)

If you don't want to use apple cider vinegar, you can also use white vinegar, wine vinegar or any other type of homemade fruit vinegar.

Tips on Preserving Garlic in Vinegar

Here are a few helpful tips on preserving garlic in apple cider vinegar!

1. Use quality apple cider vinegar (homemade or a brand with the mother culture).
2. You can use garlic that has started to sprout, as long as the clove is sound.
3. Don't preserve garlic that is moldy or has brown spots of decay.
4. Use a glass jar for this preserving technique, because pure vinegar is very acidic.
5. Cover your jar with a glass or plastic lid that won't corrode, instead of a tin canning lid.

How to Preserve Garlic in Vinegar

The process is very simple.

1. Break up garlic bulbs and peel individual garlic cloves, leaving them whole.
2. Sort through peeled cloves and throw out any that are moldy or spoiling.
3. Fill a quart jar (1 litre) to the shoulder.
4. Cover raw garlic with raw apple cider vinegar.
5. Set a glass weight on top of floating garlic cloves.
6. Add more vinegar, until garlic is covered by 1 inch.
7. Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate.

You can lift out cloves as needed.

Helpful tip: don't throw out the garlic infused vinegar. It's delicious in meat marinades and homemade condiments. You can also use it as a home remedy for a cold or sore throat!

Helpful Tips for Storing Garlic in Apple Cider Vinegar

If you want garlic cloves to remain firm and last longer, I recommend following the steps below.

1. Store garlic and vinegar in the refrigerator, so cloves stay crisp.
2. Use a spoon to lift garlic out, rather than your fingers.
3. Keep garlic submerged under the vinegar by using a weight.
4. If you use the garlic-infused vinegar (I always do!), be sure to replenish it so cloves remain covered.
5. Garlic will eventually soften in the acidic vinegar, so try to use it up in 5-6 months.

Watch the Video Tutorial

Questions People Ask

Does vinegar preserve garlic long-term?

Yes. When covered in vinegar, garlic will last for 5-6 months in the fridge. If you want to store garlic longer than this, you may want to try freezing garlic.

Do I need to add salt to my vinegar?

No. Apple cider vinegar is acidic enough on its own. Salt isn't necessary, unless you're making fermented garlic. In that case, you would omit the vinegar.

Should I add herbs or spices to my garlic?

You can add bay leaves, dill, red pepper flakes or even mustard seeds to your vinegar. Just make sure these things are submerged under the vinegar.

Can I cut my garlic into thin slices or mince it before adding apple cider vinegar?

Yes. Just make sure everything is submerged under the vinegar. A glass weight will help with this!

Can I store my garlic at room temperature?

I don't recommend it. Refrigerating keeps garlic from going soft, and also prevents mold if a clove floats to the surface of your vinegar.

Is my garlic bad if it changes color?

As vinegar soaks into your garlic, it will turn brown or even a light grey. It's still safe to eat!

How will I tell if my garlic has gone bad?

As the months go by, your garlic will soften. If you don't use it up by month 5 or 6, it may soften so much it's undesirable for use.