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Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and shelf life of garlic in Kenya. Here are some guidelines for garlic storage:
Options for storage may include: Brown paper bags
Baskets Folding the stalks up into braids, that are attractive to look at Mesh bags Stockings At all costs, AVOID PLASTIC BAGS, refrigeration or canning, as this will cause your garlic to rot. Preservation of garlic.
- Curing: After harvesting garlic, it is important to cure the bulbs before storing them. Curing helps to dry out the outer layers of the garlic bulbs and promotes better storage. To cure garlic, hang or lay the harvested bulbs in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for about two to three weeks. Avoid exposing the bulbs to direct sunlight, as this can cause them to deteriorate.
- Cleaning: Once the garlic bulbs are properly cured, remove any excess soil or dirt by gently brushing or shaking them. Avoid washing the bulbs, as moisture can lead to sprouting or mold during storage.
- Bulb Selection: Prioritize storing healthy and undamaged bulbs. Discard any bulbs with signs of disease, rot, or damage, as they can negatively affect the surrounding bulbs during storage.
- Storage Conditions: Garlic should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area with a relative humidity of around 60 to 70 percent. Excessive moisture or high temperatures can promote sprouting, mold growth, or premature spoilage.
- Storage Containers: Use mesh bags, wooden crates, or well-ventilated containers for garlic storage. Avoid using plastic bags or airtight containers, as they can trap moisture and lead to deterioration.
- Storage Location:Do not wash them off or get the bulbs wet. Leave the stalks and roots on the bulbs while they cure. To store the garlic, either bundle eight to 10 garlic stems together, tie them with twine, and hang bulb-side down in a cool, dark space, like a basement, or lay the garlic flat on a raised screen in a single layer.
- Regular Monitoring: Regularly check the stored garlic for signs of sprouting, mold, or rot. Remove any damaged or deteriorating bulbs to prevent the spread of spoilage.
- Proper Handling: When handling stored garlic, do so gently to avoid bruising or damaging the bulbs. Rough handling can increase the chances of spoilage.
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