Whether you have a particularly prolific garden, or you are looking for a unique gift, decorative
garlic braids are easy to make and beautiful to look at – not to mention a convenient way to store your bounty of
garlic. The best part about decorative garlic braids is that you can hang them to add rustic flair to your kitchen,
until you are ready to use them. When a dish calls for fresh garlic, you have only to break off a bulb.
Supplies for this project include the garlic, with stems attached – about twelve bulbs - along with
scissors and twine. The fresher your garlic is, the simpler you will find it to braid. Soft neck garlic varieties
are the best choice for this activity, as garlics in the hard necked family won’t allow you to bend them into the
braid. You can add some extra flair with ribbons, dried flowers, or other decorations, which can be braided into
the stalks as you go along. Keep clean-up easy with paper towels.
Prepare by cleaning the garlic with a dry toothbrush, and then allow the stalks to sit between damp paper
towels for about twenty minutes – long enough for them to become soft and flexible. You will find that garlic
leaves have more flexibility when they have some moisture. Therefore, you will have an easier time braiding if you
work before the garlic has dried. Your decorative garlic braids will look most professional if you strip off the
loose wrapper on the outside of the bulb.
As you work on your garlic braid, be gentle, as garlic can bruise easily. You may wish to pad your
work surface with a think towel for the best protection of the bulbs.
 Begin with three bulbs laid out side by side, with
the leaves smoothed out and parallel to each other. The bulb in the center should be slightly lower than the
other two, so that the three fit snugly together.
Cross one of the outer stalks over the middle, then loop the other
outer stalk all the way around the other two, so you end up with the three bulbs of garlic held together and
all of the stalks fanning up and out. Braid the three strands together very tightly, until you have about an
inch completed. As you fashion your decorative garlic braids, pull the strands together securely. When it
dries, the stalks will hold together well to protect the structure of your design.
To add in additional bulbs, take them one at a time and place in
the center of your project. Join the new stalk with the center stalk, and continue braiding, working in new
bulbs as you go along.
Once you have decorative garlic braids of the desired length – or
you run out of garlic – complete the braid until all of the remaining stalks are included. Tie the top very
tightly to hold everything in place. You can create a loop with the twine for the purpose of
hanging.
If there are any loose strands of stalk in your creation, tuck
them into place while they are still wet. Then, allow the braid to dry thoroughly on a flat
surface.
Garlic is long lasting if well cared for – keep it at room temperature (around 65 degrees), and
periodically wipe off any accumulated dust. Garlic should not be stored in a refrigerator, as this can cause it to
sprout. Decorative garlic braids are a lovely way to preserve garlic until needed, as the bulbs receive enough air
to stay fresh. Keep the braid away from heat and moisture, as well as extreme cold. If you do see mold, the garlic
must be discarded, as it can develop dangerous botulism germs that will result in food poisoning if
consumed.
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