If garlic starts to sprout, or the cloves begin to change color, it’s time to toss it. If the cloves are mushy or brown, or the garlic head as a whole is starting to mold, it’s definitely time to get rid of it. Rotten garlic will have an extremely pungent smell. If your garlic starts to smell like this, it’s no longer good to eat.
4 Steps to Tell When Garlic Is Bad
There are a few ways to tell when garlic is bad. The cloves may be shriveled or the bulb may be soft. The garlic may also have a strong, pungent odor. If the garlic is bad, it should be discarded.
Learning how to tell when garlic is bad is important because it helps you to avoid eating spoiled garlic. When garlic is bad, it can taste sour or bitter and it may smell unpleasant. Eating spoiled garlic can cause nausea and vomiting.
Step 1: The Garlic Will Be Slimy
If your garlic is starting to sprout or the cloves are beginning to soften, then it’s time to say goodbye. However, if your garlic still feels firm and the cloves are intact, then it’s still good to use. But, if your garlic cloves are starting to turn green, then that’s a sign that the garlic is going bad.
Step 2: The Garlic Will Have A Bad Odor
If garlic has a bad odor, it is likely spoiled and should not be eaten. Spoiled garlic will often have a strong, unpleasant scent that is noticeably different from fresh garlic. The cloves may also be discolored or mushy. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the garlic.
Step 3: The Garlic Will Be Brown Or Black
When garlic begins to sprout, it starts to lose its flavor. If the garlic is brown or black, it means that it has gone bad.
Step 4: The Garlic Will Be Soft
If the garlic is old, it will be soft. You can tell if garlic is bad if it is soft, discolored, or has mold on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If You Eat Bad Garlic?
If you eat bad garlic, you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
What Does Bad Garlic Taste Like?
Bad garlic tastes sour, bitter, and overall unpleasant.
How Can You Tell If Garlic Cloves Are Bad?
If garlic cloves are bad, they will be brown and shriveled. They may also have green spots on them.
Can I Get Food Poisoning From Garlic?
There is a risk of food poisoning from garlic if it is not cooked properly. Raw or undercooked garlic can contain harmful bacteria that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To Summarize
Garlic is a bulbous herb that is used in cooking for its flavor. Garlic is generally considered a safe food to eat, but there are some cases where it can be bad for you. If the garlic has a bad smell, it is likely bad. If the cloves are mushy or soft, the garlic is also likely bad. If the garlic has green spots on it, it is bad and should not be eaten.