Each garlic leaf extends down underground and forms a wrapper layer around the bulb, so as each leaf dies back you lose a wrapper layer. If you lose them all the cloves will be exposed and not store long. For the garlic to store well the bulb should have several wrapper layers, so harvest when you have 4-5 mostly green leaves at the top of the plant.
While you can begin eating the garlic immediately, it will store longer, taste better, and peel easier if you cure the garlic by drying it protected from sun and rain until the foliage is completely dry, usually 4-6 weeks depending on the temperature and air flow. Then store in a cool place with moderate humidity such as a cellar.
|