The perfect time is visible
Winter garlic can usually be harvested a little earlier than summer garlic. This is understandable given the longer time it remains in the ground. Nevertheless, there is no fixed schedule. Mother nature still has a say.
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If you keep an eye on your garlic, you will recognize the unquestionable state of maturity of the plant by the following attributes:
- the foliage above ground has withered
- individual cloves of garlic peek out of the earth
Since when the seedlings have been in the ground is of secondary importance in this regard. Healthy garlic can easily grow in the garden for a year or two before it is fully ripe. If the plant presents the desired habit, it is harvested - not earlier and not very much later.
Harvest in a few simple steps
Tools are not required for harvesting garlic. You simply grab the leaves with your hands and pull the tuber out of the earth. Alternatively, loosen up the soil a little beforehand with the digging fork.
The aroma benefits from a few days of ripening. To do this, spread the harvest in a dark, dry and airy place. Before you process the garlic bulbs, first cut off the leaves.
Peel properly after harvest
If you allow the freshly harvested garlic to ripen, its appetizing aroma spreads throughout the house. What could be more obvious than to use it in the kitchen to prepare delicious dishes? If it weren't for the annoying peeling.
How to peel fresh garlic in no time:
- cut off the tips of the toe and roots
- Rub the garlic between the palms of your hands and then peel it
- alternatively, place in the microwave for 5-10 seconds and peel off the skin
The peeled garlic can of course be preserved by drying it. Either in the air, in the dehydrator or in the oven, the shelf life is extended by several weeks after the harvest.
Sacrifice the flower for higher crop yield
Those who grow garlic themselves naturally strive for the highest possible yield. For this reason, experienced hobby gardeners remove the flowers on their plants. Garlic invests a lot of energy in their development, which is then not available for the growth of the toes.
In addition, the gourmets among the hobby gardeners are firmly convinced that garlic without flowers has a finer aroma. However, in this case there is no material available for propagation in the form of seeds.
Tips & Tricks
You can effectively prevent the dreaded garlic plume. After consuming it, drink a glass of milk, chew fresh aniseed or peppermint. A mix of 1 teaspoon each of spirulina and silica is said to be true miracles in reducing odor.
