The 10 Best Garlic Keepers for Fresher Garlic

Adding a feature to the countertop, the garlic keeper is one of those kitchen accessories that many of us may have been gifted, or indeed have gifted to others. Although it can sometimes seem an odd gift, the clever design of the garlic keeper does allow garlic to stay fresher for longer and unlike when stored in the refrigerator, the garlic is much less likely to start to sprout.

In this article we take a look at garlic keepers and just what it is about them that allows them to keep garlic fresher and, if you are looking for a garlic keeper for your kitchen, or as a gift for someone, we also review a selection of the best garlic keepers that will suit a range of budgets.

Best Pick

Fox Run 3971 Garlic Keeper

The Fox Run garlic keeper is our best pick of the keepers as the non-porous and unglazed stoneware will the keep moisture out and odors in.

Budget Pick

Progressive International GK-68 Terra Cotta Garlic Keeper

The Progressive International terracotta garlic keeper is our budget pick as its unglazed terracotta will absorb moisture and the vent holes will keep the air moving for fresher garlic.

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Garlic Keepers


1. Fox Run 3971 Garlic Keeper

Highlighted Features

  • A white garlic keeper made from non-porous and unglazed stoneware
  • Has vent holes towards the base to allow airflow
  • Has a lid to protect the garlic from light
  • The lid has a knob and there are two garlic-shaped handles on the side of the pot

The Fox Run garlic keeper (3971) is a white ceramic keeper made from unglazed and non-porous stoneware which is able to absorb moisture rather than odors. It also contains vent holes near the base to allow air to the garlic. This has a lid with a knob to further protect garlic from the light and two garlic shaped handles on the pot for easy handling.

This keeper will hold around one and a half normal size bulbs unbroken, or you may be able to fit more than two bulbs in if you break them up first. The odd buyer has commented that they find the opening of the keeper too small at times and as this white keeper is unglazed it is more prone to staining when left out on the countertop.

Pros

  • Non-porous stoneware
  • Unglazed
  • Vented
  • Can hold two bulbs
  • Has side handles

Cons

  • As it is unglazed it can stain easily
  • Some buyers have found the opening to be too small

2. Progressive International GK-68 Terra Cotta Garlic Keeper

Highlighted Features

  • Unglazed garlic keeper made from terracotta standing 5" high
  • Has vent holes for air flow and will absorb moisture
  • Has two side handles for easier opening
  • The lid blocks light and has a knob

The Progressive International terracotta garlic keeper is an unglazed keeper which will block moisture absorption and its vent holes at the bottom will keep the air flowing. Standing at 5" tall, this has a lid with a knob and two side handles and can only be cleaned by hand washing. This will hold two smaller bulbs or may hold more if you break up the bulbs. This may not be the most robust keeper and there is a risk of receiving it damaged. The lid can also be quite fragile and may chip easily.

Pros

  • Terracotta
  • Unglazed
  • Vented
  • Has a lid
  • Can hold two smaller bulbs

Cons

  • Can hold more garlic but you would need to break up the bulbs first
  • Risk of receiving it with shipping damage
  • The lid is fragile and may chip with use

3. Norpro Deluxe Stoneware Garlic Keeper

Highlighted Features

  • A 7" garlic keeper that will store up to six bulbs of garlic
  • Made from non-porous stoneware to absorb moisture and odor
  • This is patterned and has an embossed garlic image on the front
  • Has a lid with a garlic-shaped knob

Made from non-porous stoneware with vent holes, the Norpro Deluxe garlic keeper is a larger keeper standing 7" tall that can hold up to six garlic bulbs. This patterned white keeper has an embossed garlic image on the front and a garlic-shaped knob on the lid. As this is made from stoneware, it will not absorb any moisture or odors and the lid prevents light from reaching the stored garlic. Suitable for cleaning by hand.

As this is stoneware, there is a chance of it getting damaged during shipping and as a larger keeper, it will take up more storage space on your countertop. It will also not be as suitable for your kitchen if you do not use much garlic.

Pros

  • Stoneware
  • Non-porous
  • Can hold around six bulbs
  • Has a lid
  • Contains vent holes

Cons

  • This is a larger keeper which will take up more room on the countertop
  • Can only be cleaned by hand

4. Norpro Ceramic Garlic Keeper

Highlighted Features

  • A kiln-fired ceramic keeper standing 5" tall
  • This is white glazed with dark blue Old World accents
  • Can hold up to three or four bulbs of garlic
  • Contains vent holes for air movement
  • Has two side handles and a lid with a knob for easy access

Standing 5" tall, the Norpro ceramic garlic keeper will hold up to three or four bulbs of garlic. This is a kiln-fired keeper which has been glazed in white and decorated with dark blue accents in an Old World design. It has a lid with a knob and two side handles along with a total of eight vent holes towards the bottom of the keeper. It is recommended that this is hand washed rather than placed in the dishwasher.

Some buyers have found this to be too big for their needs and the opening of the keeper can be on the small side if you prefer to store larger bulbs.

Pros

  • Kiln-fired ceramic
  • White and blue glaze
  • Vented
  • Holds three to four bulbs
  • Has a lid

Cons

  • Should be hand washed rather than in the dishwasher
  • You may struggle to store larger bulbs in this keeper

5. Mud Pie Ceramic Garlic Storage Keeper

Highlighted Features

  • A white ceramic garlic keeper with a black garlic decal across the front
  • Has a wooden lift off lid
  • Contains vent holes near the top of the keeper
  • Can hold up to two or three smaller bulbs

Made from white ceramic with garlic written across it in black, the Mud Pie garlic keeper has small vent holes towards the top of the keeper to help maintain air flow and a wooden lid. As a more compact keeper, this will hold around two to three small bulbs, although as with any keeper, we all have different opinions as to exactly what is a small or large garlic bulb which means that some buyers have been disappointed with the capacity of this keeper.

Pros

  • Ceramic
  • White with garlic decal
  • Wooden lid
  • Has vent holes
  • Holds smaller bulbs

Cons

  • Some buyers have been disappointed with the capacity of this as it holds smaller bulbs

6. Le Creuset Stoneware Garlic Keeper

Highlighted Features

  • A high-fired stoneware garlic keeper that will hold up to three or four garlic bulbs
  • The exterior has a signature design and glaze finish in a dune color
  • The lid is secure fitting to keep light out and odors in and it has vent holes around the base
  • This is broiler and oven safe up to 500F so can be used as a roaster
  • Suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher

Made from high-fired stoneware to block moisture absorption, the Le Creuset garlic keeper has a secure fitting lid embossed with Le Creuset to prevent light entering and odor escaping. This keeper has a non-porous enamel finish to resist staining and cracking and has a signature-style glaze finish in a neutral dune color. This has small vent holes around the base for improved airflow and will hold around three to four bulbs of garlic

The interior is also glazed and is nearly non-stick for easy cleaning in the dishwasher. Stoneware from this manufacturer can be used under the broiler or in the oven up to a temperature of 500F which means this keeper will also double as a garlic roaster. Some buyers have found this to be a smaller garlic keeper and from a premium cookware manufacturer, this will cost more than other keepers.

Pros

  • High-fired stoneware
  • Signature design
  • Vented
  • Enamel finish
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Oven safe up to 500F

Cons

  • This costs considerably more than other styles of garlic keeper
  • Some owners consider this to be on the smaller side

7. Joie Terracotta Garlic Keeper by MSC

Highlighted Features

  • A garlic bulb shaped garlic keeper
  • Made from terracotta it has a white glazed exterior and unglazed interior
  • Contains vent holes to allow air to circulate
  • Will hold one large bulb of garlic or several smaller ones

The Joie garlic fresh pod is a garlic-shaped keeper made from terracotta to absorb moisture and its vent holes also allow air to circulate. The exterior is glossy white with a terracotta inner. This is a smaller keeper designed to hold one large bulb (not elephant garlic) or several smaller bulbs. Some buyers have received this damaged and as a small keeper it will not be suitable for all kitchens.

Pros

  • Garlic-shaped
  • Terracotta
  • Glazed exterior
  • Has vent holes
  • Holds one large bulb

Cons

  • Is only suitable to hold one larger bulb
  • There is a chance that this can arrive damaged

8. HIC Harold Import Co. Garlic keeper

Highlighted Features

  • A white garlic keeper with garlic embossed across it
  • Made from unglazed ceramic to absorb moisture
  • Will hold up to three bulbs of garlic
  • Contains vent holes near the base

The HIC Harold Import Co. garlic keeper can hold up to three garlic bulbs. This has side handles and the lid also has a garlic clove shaped knob for easy opening. There are also vent holes near its base. This is a white ceramic keeper with the word garlic embossed across it and although the finish is white, it is unglazed so more prone to staining in the kitchen. A number of buyers have found this too small as a keeper and there is a chance of receiving it damaged.

Pros

  • Ceramic
  • Holds up to three bulbs
  • Side handles
  • Lid with knob
  • Vented

Cons

  • There is a risk of receiving it with some damage
  • You may find this on the smaller side compared to other garlic keepers
  • More prone to staining as unglazed white ceramic

9.Henry Watson Garlic keeper

Highlighted Features

  • An unglazed terracotta garlic keeper which will hold three or four bulbs
  • Made in the UK from Staffordshire clay
  • Has a traditional decal design on the lid
  • Contains large vent hole in the rear to promote air flow

Made in the UK from Staffordshire clay, the Henry Watson garlic cellar is an unglazed terracotta keeper that will absorb moisture to help keep the garlic fresh. This is also vented in the rear for air flow and stands 4" high. This will hold three or four bulbs. The odd buyer has been disappointed with the decal on the lid and would have preferred it to have been plain. As a premium keeper which is also imported; this is more expensive than other keepers.

Pros

  • Terracotta
  • Unglazed
  • Made in UK
  • Vented
  • Holds three or four bulbs

Cons

  • The odd buyer has not been keen on the decal on the lid and would have preferred it to be plain
  • Is more expensive than other garlic keepers

10. Vinkoe Kitchen Garlic Keeper

Highlighted Features

  • A glazed white ceramic garlic keeper that will store around two bulbs of garlic
  • Has a lift off lid made from natural bamboo
  • Contains larger vent holes for maximum air flow
  • Suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher

Made from glazed white ceramic, the Vinkoe Kitchen garlic keeper is a shaped keeper with a natural bamboo lift off lid. This contains larger vent holes for maximum air flow. Although not oven safe, this can be cleaned in the dishwasher. This will hold around two bulbs of garlic although some owners have commented that the size of the opening can prevent larger bulbs from fitting in. You may also find that the lid fits too loosely.

Pros

  • Ceramic
  • Glazed
  • Bamboo lid
  • Large vent holes
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • The opening on the jar is not always big enough for you to fit larger bulbs in
  • As the lid is natural bamboo, it may not always fit as well as it should

Things to Consider Before Buying A Garlic Keeper

The garlic keeper is a simple, yet clever accessory designed to help keep fresh garlic at its best while looking stylish on your countertop. You can also use a garlic keeper to store shallots or even ginger.

Ideally, garlic should be stored in a keeper as a whole bulb or head until you need to break it apart to use. Once you break a bulb apart, its lifespan will shorten, and it will need using up in the next week or so.

Garlic has been shown to have been in use as far back as 5,000 years ago when the Giza pyramids were built. Hippocrates, the Ancient Greek physician actually prescribed garlic for many disorders, such as poor digestion, fatigue, respiratory conditions and even parasites.

Olympian athletes were given garlic to help enhance their athletic performance and as garlic began to spread to other ancient civilization such as the Indus Valley (todays western India and Pakistan) and China, its use also became valued.

Interestingly, in India at that time, the upper classes would not eat garlic because of its odor and because it was thought to act as an aphrodisiac, it meant that monks, adolescents, widows and others had to also avoid eating it!

Garlic was eventually introduced to the New World by European settlers.

During ancient times, garlic was also thought to cure dog bites and that it could be used to prevent leprosy and smallpox. Although these uses of garlic may seem far-fetched, it was only as recently as 1858 that garlic was proved to be an antimicrobial.

It was the famous scientist Louis Pasteur who confirmed that garlic was an antimicrobial which could kill bacteria and from then on, garlic began to be used as an antiseptic and even became a cure for dysentery during the two World Wars. One sulfide in garlic has recently shown to be 100 times more effective than two antibiotics against Campylobacter bacteria a common cause of intestinal infections.

Garlic contains sulfur compounds and it is these that offer many of the benefits of garlic. Sulfur compounds can be destroyed when garlic is cooked, and this is why some people prefer to keep their garlic raw! Garlic is also a source of antioxidants that can help prevent damage to the body from free radicals, the molecules that contribute to aging and a number of diseases in the body.

Garlic has been linked to reductions in high blood pressure, although the doses used are quite high around four cloves per day. One study showed that an aged garlic extract could reduce hypertension over 24 weeks as much as medication could. Garlic is also known to reduce levels of total and bad or LDL cholesterol.

Cancer risk has also been shown to have been lowered by regularly consuming garlic. One Chinese study showed that those who ate raw garlic at least twice a week over seven years had a 44% lower risk of developing lung cancer and some specific organo-sulfur compounds in garlic are able to destroy cells involved in one type of brain tumor.

Garlic is also a good source of manganese. Vitamin B6 and vitamin C.

What to Look for When Choosing a Garlic Keeper

Garlic keepers are usually made from high-fired stoneware, terracotta or ceramic. Many will also be non-porous which means it will prevent odors as well as stains from being absorbed into the keeper. Garlic keepers which are high-fired stoneware may also be suitable to use as a garlic roaster in the oven, but always double check the manufacturers instruction before placing it in the oven.

If a garlic keeper is fully glazed, it will prevent it from staining and a full glaze can often mean it is suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher. Otherwise, a wipe out with a damp cloth with a little dish soap is often enough to keep it clean.

If you do invest in a garlic keeper which is porous, then avoid using dish soap on it when wiping it out as the soap will soak into it and potentially taint the next batch of garlic stored in the keeper. If a porous garlic keeper is badly stained, then you can use some salt or baking soda on a cloth and use it as an abrasive to remove the stain.

The size of a garlic keeper can vary, from one that is designed to just hold one smaller bulb or head to larger keepers that may store half a dozen or so heads. A larger keeper will usually be necessary if you buy elephant garlic. The opening of the jar should also be big enough to allow you to put the whole bulb in, and take it back out again without too much difficulty.

The lid should fit well to prevent light and moisture from getting to the garlic and it should also be easy to take off and put back on. The lid will often be matching ceramic, terracotta or stoneware, but some may have wooden lids. Like anything wooden in the kitchen, remember that it can be prone to shrinking or expanding with exposure to heat or moisture.

When deciding on the style of your garlic keeper, also think about your style of kitchen and other accessories and look for a keeper that will match in with everything. Also consider your budget. From inexpensive options to more premium designs, there will be a garlic keeper to match your budget.

Keeping Garlic Away from Moisture

If stored under the right conditions, a bulb of garlic can stay fresh for a few months. When garlic is exposed to moisture, it can start to rot, or even mold can start to grow.

A garlic bulb only needs to have moisture on it for as little as six hours for black mold to develop. Mold is more of a risk for garlic producers where it is grown in warmer areas such as the Californian desert and if the bulbs are a little damp when going in or out or storage, mold can develop.

Mold prevention is one of the main reasons that garlic keepers are made from terracotta, ceramic or stoneware, as these materials will absorb moisture. Having ventilation holes in the keeper also allows air to flow around the garlic which will prevent it from getting moist while allowing the garlic to breathe. The holes in the keeper can be anywhere but are often nearer the bottom to allow any heavier gases to escape.

Even if you use a keeper for your garlic, it should still be stored away from the high-humidity and light areas in the kitchen.

The Importance of Temperature When Storing Garlic

Garlic is best stored at room temperature in a dark and dry place with lots of air circulating. Between 60F and 65F with relative humidity is usually the best condition, which is why garlic will often not keep as long during winter as our homes are so much dryer.

If stored in higher humidity, this will not only promote mold growth, but will also cause the garlic to sprout. Likewise, if you store garlic in the refrigerator, it will also begin to sprout, in fact garlic will sprout most rapidly when stored at 40F. Although sprouting garlic is still fine to eat, its taste can be more bitter.

If you do prefer to store garlic in the refrigerator, then pop it in your crisper drawer where the humidity is controlled.

Garlic should also be stored in the dark and the garlic keeper should prevent light from reaching the garlic, which is why it is important to always use a keeper with a lid.

Conclusion

We have seen in this article that the design of the garlic keeper, including its vents, is able to keep garlic at its best for longer and reduces the risk of it becoming moldy. Storing garlic in a keeper at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator will also reduce the risk of it sprouting, and of course, the right garlic keeper will add a touch of style to any countertop!

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article on garlic keepers and that the information has been useful. We also hope that our reviews of some of the best garlic keepers have been helpful, whether you want one for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member.

The post The 10 Best Garlic Keepers for Fresher Garlic appeared first on Food Shark Marfa .