HARVESTING GARLIC
Harvesting garlic at the right time and using proper techniques ensures the best quality and storage life. Fresh garlic is best for use in Korean Natural Farming, KNF. This is a step-by-step guide to harvesting garlic.
WHEN TO HARVEST GARLIC
Monitor Leaf Condition
Garlic is usually ready to harvest when the lower leaves start to turn yellow and brown while the upper leaves remain green, typically in midsummer.
Signs of Dieback
The ideal time to harvest is when about a third to a half of the leaves have died back. Harvesting too early will result in small bulbs. Harvesting too late can result in bulbs that have split and will not store well.
THE GARLIC HARVESTING PROCESS
Stop Watering
Do not water for 1-2 weeks before you plan to harvest. This will help dry out the soil and make harvesting easier.
Loosen the Soil
Use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the garlic plants. It is best to harvest garlic with leaves, bulbs, and roots intact. Be careful not to damage the bulbs.
Lift the Bulbs
Carefully lift the garlic plants out of the soil by their stems, taking care not to bruise or cut the bulbs.
Clean the Bulbs
Brush off any excess soil from the bulbs, but do not wash them. Washing can introduce moisture and promote rot.
USING GARLIC FRESH
The allicin content of raw, fresh garlic is the highest, resulting in the highest medicinal qualities.
For KNF, fresh garlic is best since the purpose is to capture the medicinal qualities, so drying and curing are not necessary. Ferment fresh garlic for OHN, Oriental Herbal Nutrient tonic, as soon after harvest as possible.
Remember to keep some fresh garlic in the kitchen.
CURING AND DRYING GARLIC
Leave the Tops and Roots On
Do not remove the tops or roots because they help the bulbs to cure properly.
Cure in a Dry, Shady Area
Hang the garlic plants in bundles or spread them out on screens in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Curing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Hanging
Tie bundles of 5-10 plants together and hang them in a dry, airy place.
Laying Out
Lay the plants out in a single layer on a screen or rack, ensuring good air circulation.
Post-Curing
After the garlic is cured, clean the bulbs again. Remove any remaining soil, trim the roots, and cut the stems about 3cm (1 inch) above the bulbs. The stems can be left intact and braided for hanging.
Separate any damaged or smaller bulbs for immediate use, as they won’t store as well as the larger, intact ones.
STORING GARLIC
Garlic should be stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Ideal storage conditions are 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) and low humidity.
Do not store garlic in the refrigerator, as the cold and moisture can encourage sprouting.
Garlic can be stored in mesh bags, paper bags, or a well-ventilated basket. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause rot.
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