Hands up if you’re a garlic girl (or guy)! With its potent aroma, garlic instantly adds flavour to dishes. No wonder it’s been dubbed ‘Pope’ to the Holy Trinity (onion, peppers and celery). Whether it’s sautéed in olive oil for spaghetti cacio e pepe or crushed raw into a punchy sauce, garlic is indispensable in cooking. But what happens when it starts to sprout? Is sprouted garlic safe to eat, and how can you prevent it from happening?

When garlic is stored for an extended period, it naturally begins to sprout. This process can be accelerated by exposure to sunlight…

Why Does Garlic Sprout?

Garlic (Allium sativum) belongs to the Allium group and is related to onions, leeks, shallots, chives and spring onions. These vegetables share a characteristic strong flavour and aroma, making them culinary essentials. Beyond this, members of the Allium group are celebrated for their health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Garlic sprouts for a few reasons, primarily related to its age and storage conditions. When garlic is stored for an extended period, it naturally begins to sprout. This process can be accelerated by exposure to sunlight, warmth and moisture – all thriving conditions for garlic to grow. Essentially, sprouting is the garlic’s way of trying to propagate.

Is Sprouted Garlic Safe to Eat?

The short answer is yes, sprouted garlic is safe to eat. While the taste might be slightly different – often sharper and more bitter than ‘unsprouted’ garlic – it’s still a healthy addition to meals.

The green shoots themselves are edible, though, some people prefer to remove them due to their intense flavour. (If you love garlic but hate the pungent and lingering aroma that comes with garlic breath, remove the inner germ that connects to the sprouted bit.) However, it’s important to note that if the garlic has become soft, mushy or shows signs of mould, it should be discarded. These are signs of spoilage and indicate that the garlic is no longer safe to consume.

How to Store Garlic

Proper storage can extend the life of your garlic and prevent it from sprouting prematurely. Here are some tips to keep your garlic fresh:

• Store garlic in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing it in places with direct sunlight or high humidity.
• Garlic needs to breathe. Use a mesh bag, wire basket, or a container with ventilation holes. Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers that can trap moisture.
• Keep garlic at room temperature rather than refrigerate it. Refrigeration can create a moist environment that encourages sprouting.

Can I Use the Sprouts to Grow Garlic?

You sure can! Sprouted garlic can be propagated and grown in your vegetable garden. When garlic begins to sprout, it’s already on its way to becoming a new plant.

For the best growth conditions, place the sprouted garlic clove in a glass of water – ensure that only the bottom of the clove (the root end) is in water, while the sprout is above the surface. After a few days, you should see roots emerging from the bottom of the cloves. Once these roots are about 3cm long, the garlic is ready to be transferred to your garden – garlic thrives in sunlight and well-drained soil.

Got green thumbs? Learn how to start your own compost garden.

Garlic Recipes

Try these garlicky and fragrant dishes.

Honey Garlic Pork Noodle Bowl
Basil, Garlic & Lemon Chicken Burgers

Ricotta Gnudi in a Garlic and Herb Sauce
Confit Tomatoes with Whole Garlic & Thyme