How to Plait Garlic?

Page Contents

How to Plait Garlic? A Guide to Braiding Your Bountiful Harvest

Plaited garlic offers a visually stunning and practical way to store your garlic; braiding involves weaving the drying garlic stems to create a strong, hangable string, ensuring proper air circulation for optimal long-term preservation.

Introduction: The Art and Science of Garlic Plaiting

Garlic plaiting, also known as braiding, is an ancient practice that combines functionality with aesthetics. It’s a time-honored method of preserving garlic, allowing for proper air circulation and preventing rot, while also providing a beautiful, rustic display in your kitchen. Beyond mere storage, a garlic plait is a testament to the connection between grower and food, a tangible link to the harvest.

Why Plait Garlic? The Benefits of Braiding

Choosing to plait your garlic offers a multitude of advantages:

Long-term storage: Plaiting allows for optimal air circulation, extending the shelf life of your garlic cloves. Properly plaited garlic can last for up to 8 months or even longer.
Aesthetics: Garlic plaits are undeniably beautiful. They add a rustic charm to any kitchen and can be a conversation starter.
Space-saving: Hanging garlic plaits frees up valuable counter or shelf space.
Traditional Craft: Plaiting connects you to a long history of preserving and utilizing food resources.
Natural Decoration: The finished plait serves as both a food source and decorative element, combining utility and beauty.

When to Harvest and Prepare Garlic for Plaiting

The timing of your garlic harvest is crucial for successful plaiting. You should harvest your garlic when the lower leaves begin to turn yellow and brown, but before the entire plant has completely dried out. Generally, this is in the late summer.

Preparation is key:

Careful Digging: Gently loosen the soil around the bulbs and lift them carefully to avoid bruising or damaging the bulbs.
Cleaning: Remove excess soil but do not wash the garlic. Washing can introduce moisture and lead to rot.
Curing: Cure the garlic for 2-3 weeks in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. This allows the necks to shrink and tighten, making them easier to plait.
Trimming: After curing, trim the roots to about 1 inch. Leave the stems long for plaiting. Avoid cutting the stems too short or the plaiting process will be difficult.

The Plaiting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a detailed guide to creating a beautiful and functional garlic plait:

Select Three Bulbs: Choose three of your best-cured garlic bulbs to form the base of your plait. These should have strong, flexible stems.
Start the Braid: Hold the three bulbs together near the base of the stems. Begin braiding them as you would braid hair, crossing the outer stem over the middle stem each time.
Add More Garlic: As you braid, add another garlic bulb to one of the outer stems. Continue braiding, incorporating each new bulb into the braid as you go. Be sure to alternate which side you add bulbs to for an even braid.
Secure the End: Once you have incorporated all of your garlic, continue braiding the stems until you reach the end. Secure the braid with twine or raffia.
Create a Hanging Loop: Form a loop with the remaining stems and tie it securely with twine. This loop will be used to hang your garlic plait.
Trim the Stems (Optional): You can trim the excess stems to create a neater appearance, but be sure to leave enough length to secure the hanging loop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Plaiting garlic is a rewarding skill, but it’s important to avoid these common pitfalls:

Harvesting Too Early or Too Late: Harvesting at the wrong time can result in bulbs that are too small or stems that are too brittle.
Washing the Garlic: Washing introduces moisture and promotes rot.
Cutting the Stems Too Short: Long stems are essential for plaiting.
Braid Too Tight: A braid that’s too tight can restrict airflow and cause the garlic to mold.
Storing in a Damp Location: Garlic should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Using Damaged Garlic: Garlic with cuts or bruises is more likely to rot and should not be used in a plait.

Tools and Materials

Here’s a list of the essential items you will need:

Harvested Garlic: Cured garlic with long, flexible stems.
Twine or Raffia: For securing the ends of the braid and creating a hanging loop.
Scissors or Pruners: For trimming roots and excess stems.
Optional: Decorative Elements: Herbs, flowers, or ribbons can be woven into the plait for added visual appeal.

Troubleshooting: Dealing with Difficult Stems

Sometimes, the stems of your garlic may be dry and brittle, making them difficult to plait. Here are some tips for dealing with this issue:

Slightly Dampen the Stems: Lightly misting the stems with water can make them more pliable. Avoid soaking them, as this can lead to rot.
Use a Gentle Touch: Braid carefully and avoid pulling too tightly on the stems.
Break the Braid Down: If a stem breaks, re-start your braid at the point of the break.
Alternative Materials: If the stems are too short, consider using twine or raffia to extend them.

FAQ: Your Garlic Plaiting Questions Answered

Why is my garlic plait molding?

Molding is typically caused by excessive moisture. Ensure your garlic is thoroughly cured before plaiting and that you store the plait in a dry, well-ventilated location. Discard any cloves that show signs of mold.

How long will a garlic plait last?

Properly cured and plaited garlic can last for up to 8 months or even longer. Keep an eye on the bulbs and remove any that show signs of spoilage.

Can I plait garlic with softneck varieties only?

While softneck varieties are traditionally used for plaiting due to their flexible stems, you can plait hardneck garlic, though it’s more challenging. Try to plait while the stems are still slightly green.

What’s the best way to cure garlic?

Cure your garlic in a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight for 2-3 weeks. Good air circulation is essential to prevent mold and rot.

What if the stems are too short to plait?

If the stems are too short, you can use twine or raffia to extend them. Wrap the twine around the base of the stems and incorporate it into the braid.

Can I add other herbs to my garlic plait?

Yes! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves can add a beautiful and fragrant touch. Incorporate them into the braid as you go.

How do I store my garlic plait?

Store your garlic plait in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator or in a humid environment.

What do I do if some of the bulbs start to sprout?

Sprouting is a natural process, but it can reduce the shelf life of your garlic. Remove any sprouted bulbs to prevent them from affecting the other bulbs in the plait. You can still use the sprouted garlic in cooking.

Is it better to plait garlic before or after curing?

It is essential to cure your garlic before plaiting. Curing allows the stems to shrink and tighten, making them easier to braid.

How many bulbs should I use in a garlic plait?

The number of bulbs you use will depend on the size of your garlic and the desired length of the plait. A good starting point is around 10-15 bulbs.

Can I use garlic that I bought from the store to plait?

You can, but success depends on the garlic’s condition. Often, store-bought garlic is not fully cured, or the stems are too short. Home-grown is best.

Is there a specific type of knot to use to secure the ends?

A simple overhand knot or square knot is typically sufficient to secure the ends of the braid and the hanging loop. Make sure the knot is tight and secure to prevent the plait from unraveling.