Mold can appear as green, blue, black, white, or fuzzy patches depending on the species and conditions.
You might notice mold on the outer skin or between cloves.
If mold has penetrated into the cloves, simply cutting away one visibly affected section may not always be enough. Garlic is a tightly packed bulb, and contamination can be difficult to assess from the outside.
If several cloves are moldy, soft, or visibly deteriorating, discard the bulb rather than trying to rescue it.
This is particularly important if the garlic has been stored in warm, damp conditions.
2. Garlic That Is Soft, Wet, or Rotting
Fresh garlic should generally feel firm and relatively dry.
If a bulb feels unusually soft, mushy, wet, or collapses when you squeeze it, that can indicate deterioration.
Look carefully at the cloves after removing the outer skin.
Signs of spoilage can include:
- Brown or black discoloration
- Water-soaked tissue
- Mushy cloves
- An unpleasant or rotten odor
- Visible decay
- Excessive moisture
A slightly dried or sprouted clove isn’t necessarily dangerous, but a garlic bulb that is actively decomposing is a different matter.
