How Long Does Garlic Last?
Shelf life for whole bulbs, individual cloves, minced garlic, and roasted garlic — and the best way to store each.
3 min read · Updated 2026-04-01
General information only. This article may include AI-assisted content. While we aim for accuracy, verify important details before acting on them.
Garlic is one of the most used kitchen staples, but its shelf life varies dramatically depending on how it's stored and what form it's in.
Whole Bulbs (Unpeeled)
At room temperature: 3–6 months when stored properly.
Whole bulbs last longest when stored in a cool (not cold), dry, dark, well-ventilated place. A mesh bag or open bowl in a cupboard works perfectly.
Do not store whole garlic in the fridge — the cold and humidity cause it to sprout and get rubbery faster.
Do not store in a sealed airtight container at room temperature — garlic needs airflow to prevent mould.
Individual Cloves (Still in Skin)
At room temperature: 10–21 days once separated from the bulb.
Once you break apart a bulb, the individual cloves don't last as long. The cut/broken surface loses its protective integrity. Keep them in a cool, dry spot with airflow.
Peeled Garlic Cloves
In the fridge: 1–2 weeks in an airtight container.
Once peeled, garlic loses its protective skin layer and is vulnerable to moisture and bacteria. Store in an airtight container and check regularly.
In the freezer: 3–6 months. Freeze whole or coarsely chopped, spread on a tray to freeze individually first, then store in a bag.
Minced or Chopped Fresh Garlic
In the fridge: 1–2 weeks in a sealed jar, covered with olive oil.
The olive oil creates a barrier against air and moisture. Important: garlic stored in oil at room temperature can breed Clostridium botulinum (botulism). Always refrigerate and use within 2 weeks. Never store garlic-in-oil at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Roasted Garlic
In the fridge: 3–5 days in an airtight container.
In the freezer: up to 3 months. Freeze in small portions (ice cube trays work well).
Jarred Minced Garlic (Commercial)
Unopened: check the sell-by date — typically 1–2 years.
Opened: 3 months in the fridge. Commercial products contain preservatives that home-prepared garlic doesn't.
How to Tell If Garlic Has Gone Bad
Soft or mushy texture: cloves should be firm. Softness indicates moisture damage.
Brown spots or discolouration: minor discolouration on individual cloves is usually fine (cut away). Widespread browning indicates deterioration.
Sprouting: green sprouts forming inside or emerging from cloves mean the garlic has started to grow. It's still edible but the flavour becomes bitter. Remove the green shoot (the most bitter part) and use immediately.
Mould: discard immediately.
Can You Freeze Whole Garlic?
Yes. Freeze whole peeled cloves or minced garlic. Frozen garlic works well in cooked dishes but is soft and less pungent than fresh when thawed — not ideal for raw applications (like aioli or salad dressing). Good for soups, stews, and sauces.