Braiding is a practical method for preserving and storing softneck garlic varieties after harvest. This technique involves weaving the flexible stems together to create a long, vertical rope of bulbs. The braid maximizes airflow around each bulb, which is crucial for proper curing and preventing mold or spoilage. A well-constructed garlic braid also serves as an attractive, space-saving storage solution that can be hung conveniently.
Preparing Garlic for Braiding
The process begins after harvest, requiring a balance between stem flexibility and moisture loss. Garlic that is completely dried out will have brittle stems that snap easily, making braiding impossible. Ideally, the garlic should be braided when the stems have wilted slightly but remain pliable, typically one to two weeks after being pulled from the ground.
Before weaving, clean the bulbs gently without using water, which can encourage rot. Remove large clumps of soil by brushing them off, and trim the long roots back to about a quarter-inch. The outer layers of the papery wrapper should be left intact, as this offers primary protection during storage. To make the stems more workable, some people lightly dampen them with a wet towel for 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring the bulbs themselves do not get wet.
Step-by-Step Guide to Braiding Garlic
The braiding process transforms the separate bulb stems into a unified structure. Begin by selecting three large, prepared garlic bulbs to form the base of the braid. Lay these three bulbs on a flat surface with their stems pointing away from you. Secure them tightly just below the bulbs with twine to create a stable anchor.
Once the base is secured, treat the three combined stems as the three strands of a standard braid, crossing the outer strands over the center strand. After a few initial overlaps, begin incorporating new bulbs one at a time. The pattern involves adding a new bulb to an outer section, laying its stem into the center section, and then crossing the opposite outer section over it.
For example, place a new bulb next to the left side of the developing braid, combining its stem with the central group of stems. The right-hand group of stems is then crossed over the new center, locking the new bulb into place. Maintaining consistent and firm tension on the stems is important to ensure the finished braid is tight and secure, preventing bulbs from slipping out as they dry and shrink.
Continue this rhythmic process of adding a bulb to an outer side, placing the stem in the middle, and crossing the opposite side over, alternating between the left and right sides. The goal is to keep the heavy garlic bulbs nestled closely together near the top of the braid. Once all desired bulbs are incorporated, finish the remaining length of stem by braiding it in a simple three-strand pattern until only a few inches remain. Secure the braid tightly with a final piece of twine, forming a loop for easy hanging.
Curing and Storing the Braided Garlic
After the braid is finished, the final stage of curing begins, involving fully drying out the remaining moisture in the stems and wrappers. The entire braid should be hung immediately in a cool, dry, and dark location with excellent air circulation. Optimal conditions for this final cure include temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity around 60 to 70 percent.
The hanging location must be protected from direct sunlight, as intense light and heat can cause the garlic to degrade in quality and develop a bitter flavor. The good airflow promoted by the braided structure prevents moisture buildup that could lead to mold or mildew. This curing process continues for two to four weeks until the stems are completely dry and the outer wrappers are fully papery.
Once fully cured, the braided garlic can be stored for the long term in the same cool, dry environment. Softneck varieties, which are best suited for braiding, can typically be stored for six to eight months. Avoid storing the braid in a refrigerator, as the cool, damp environment triggers dormancy mechanisms, causing the cloves to sprout prematurely.