Yes, you can often eat old garlic, but it depends on its condition.
Garlic doesn't necessarily go "bad" in the sense of becoming unsafe to eat, but its quality can decline over time. You need to assess its condition carefully before using it. Here’s a breakdown:
What to Look For:
- Mold: If you see any mold (green, blue, or black) on the garlic, discard it immediately.
- Mushy Texture: Soft, mushy garlic cloves are a sign of spoilage and should not be eaten.
- Unpleasant Odor: A strong, rancid smell indicates that the garlic has gone bad.
What is Acceptable:
- Sprouts: Garlic cloves with green sprouts are generally safe to eat. The taste might be slightly more bitter. You can remove the green sprout to mitigate the bitterness.
- Yellowed or Browned Spots: Small yellowed or browned spots on the cloves are usually fine. Trim away the discolored areas before using the garlic.
- Soft Garlic: While firmness indicates peak freshness, slightly softened garlic can still be used if it's not mushy or moldy. Use it quickly.
Summary:
While garlic cloves that have sprouts, or yellowed spots are still usable with some trimming and might have a slight taste variation, molded or overly mushy garlic should be thrown away. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
