A garlic braid is a great way to store garlic.There are more benefits to braiding garlic than just its appearance.It's also convenient to be able to grab a clove or two whenever you need it and garlic that stays fresh longer because of improved air circulation.If you get the basics down, you can make fun ropes in no time.
Step 1: The bulbs should be cleaned.
It is not necessary to clean the garlic before you braid it.You may be able to remove the dirt by brushing it away with your fingers.You may need to use a soft cloth to clean the bulbs.Try using an old toothbrush to get the dirt out of the bulbs.You don't want to bruise the garlic when you clean it.The outer layers of dry skin should be removed if the garlic is dirty.
Step 2: The garlic should be trimmed.
Before you begin braiding, you need to trim the bulbs.You will want to cut the scraggly roots that are attached to the bulbs to 14 inch.Regular scissors can be used to trim the garlic roots.If you notice that the leaves are jagged or scraggy, you may want to trim them to make it harder to braid.
Step 3: The garlic stems should be soaked.
You want the leaves of the bulbs to be easy to braid.They can be made more flexible by soaking them in water.The garlic should be submerged in the water in a bowl or sink.You don't want the bulbs to get wet.Allow the leaves to soak for 15 to 30 minutes.You can sandwich the leaves between two towels.Make sure the bulbs don't get wet, and let the leaves sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Pick three large bulbs and cross them.
You will need 12 bulbs to make a braid.The start of the braid should be served by setting aside the three largest bulbs.They should be placed on a flat surface with one bulb in the center, one to the left, and the other on the right.The leaves of the center bulb should be pointed at you, while the other two leaves form an X over them.The place where the bulbs overlap with a piece of twine needs to be secured.Make sure that the piece you use is long enough to knot over the bulbs with enough excess that you can secure additional bulbs in the braid.
Step 5: You should start adding bulbs.
Place a fourth bulb over the bundle to match the center bulb.When you start to braid, use the excess twine to secure the fourth bulb to the stack.Next, take two more bulbs and align them with the two diagonal bulbs.It will be easier to braid when you line them up as much as possible.
Step 6: Start braiding.
It is time to start the braid with all of the leaves lined up.As you begin braiding, make sure to grab the two sets of leaves for each section.Take the two leaves from the right side and cross them under the middle leaves as the centerpiece.Take the two leaves on the left and cross them under the middle leaves.The process can be repeated one or two more times.Before you add more bulbs, you may find it easier to secure the braid with more twine.To keep it neat, tie the knot in the back.
Step 7: There should be more bulbs.
You can add three bulbs once you start the braid.You should line the leaves with the ends of the braids you used in the second set.If you want to add all of your bulbs, begin braiding again for one or two passes.After you have added the last set, it is a good idea to use twine to secure the bundle of bulbs.It will be easier to finish off the rest of the braid.Tie it off with a bow.
Step 8: Wrap the entire garlic braid.
The leaves should be braided until you get to the end.Tie off the end of the braid with another piece of twine.Use a pair of scissors to trim the end of the garlic roots so they are even and neat.To give the braid a neater appearance, you may want to trim the roots at the top of the bulbs.
Step 9: There is a proper spot for curing.
If you want to preserve garlic for a long time, you need to cure it after harvest.The curing process is meant to help the bulbs dry out, so you need to choose the right location to keep them.A dark space with good air circulation is what you want.A covered porch, barn, or well-ventilated garage can work.The heat from the sun can change the flavor of garlic if you keep it out of direct sunlight.
Step 10: There are bundles of garlic.
It is best to divide your garlic harvest into portions when you are ready to cure it.It's best to create bundles of 5 to 10 bulbs and tie them together with string or twine.It is easier for air to circulate around the bulbs if you hang them or place them on a mesh rack.When preparing the garlic, don't remove any leaves or trim it.The bulbs get their energy from the rest of the plant.
Step 11: Allow the bundles to sit for a while.
If you want the garlic to cure, you have to wait until the leaves and roots are dry.It can take anywhere from two weeks to a month.It may take longer if you live in a humid location.The garlic is cured when the roots are small, the leaves are brown, and the bulbs are papery.If you don't allow the garlic to fully cure, it will be easier to braid it.When the stems are still flexible, braid it.
Step 12: Get the timing right.
The best time to plant garlic is four to six weeks before the ground starts to freeze.The earlier in the fall you should plant, the colder your climate is.The garlic is usually ready to harvest in early to mid- summer.The trick to knowing when garlic is ready is to watch the plants and notice when 1/3 of the leaves are pale yellow.The dry soil around the plants is a sign that garlic is ready for harvest.If you don't know if your garlic is ready to be harvest, you can remove one or two bulbs.The skins should be completely filled.
Step 13: The soil around the bulbs should be loosened.
It can be difficult to remove garlic from the ground if the soil is too tight.If you want to be able to easily remove the garlic bulbs from the ground, you need to loosen the dirt around them.Don't dig too close to the bulbs.When using a fork or shovel, be careful.Garlic can bruise easily.
Step 14: The garlic needs to be lifted from the soil.
You can damage the garlic if you pull the bulbs out of the ground too quickly.To lift the bulbs out of the dirt, use a spade, shovel, or garden fork.As you remove the rest of the garlic, place the bulbs in a container, such as a bucket, to keep them safe.If you want to remove garlic from the ground, you should use a spade or shovel or a garden fork.After you harvest garlic, keep it out of the sun.Place the container in the shade or cover it with a sheet.