Look for Firmness Choose garlic bulbs that feel firm and heavy for their size. Avoid any that feel soft, lightweight, or spongy, as they may be old or spoiled.
Inspect the Skin The garlic skin should be dry, papery, and intact. Avoid bulbs with loose, cracked, or peeling skins, as they may indicate dehydration or aging.
Avoid Sprouts Steer clear of garlic with green shoots emerging from the cloves. Sprouting indicates that the garlic is aging and may have a bitter flavor.
Smell It Fresh garlic should have a strong, earthy aroma. If it smells off, moldy, or too faint, it’s likely not fresh and won’t provide the best flavor.
Choose the Right Variety For cooking, hardneck garlic varieties often have a more robust flavor, while softneck varieties store longer. Decide based on your needs and preferences.
Check for Mold or Damage Inspect for mold, dark spots, or any damage on the bulb. These are signs of decay and can affect the quality and taste of the garlic.
Buy Local or Organic Locally grown or organic garlic is often fresher and has a more pronounced flavor, as it’s less likely to have been stored for long periods or treated with chemicals.