I got a sweet deal at the farmers market this weekend on garlic.  Going to get some in the ground soon for next season, but I have a GOOD deal more than I can possibly plant.





I have heard before that you can preserve in olive oil but have also heard cautions for this method.  Any other methods?  Pickling?  Freezing?

 

Slice up cloves (+/- 1/8") and dehydrate.  You can store like this, or grind it up into a powder after dehydrating.
Put the dehydrator in the garage, though

For pickling, just a standard brine?  I usually use 1:4 vinegar to water, and 1 cup salt per gallon of the vinegar/water mix.





What is the best way to keep whole cloves around without preservation?

It pickles very well.  Might throw a hot pepper or two in with some of it.

if it was done right the garlic will easily store till spring.  just watch it and if you start seeing a green stalk shoot out cut that out.  i bought 10 pounds this year lol to plant not realizing just how much that was.  but i'm loving it right now.  the spicy garlic is great. the farmer i bought it from was recommend on this site.  he said for storing it just a cool dry dark place.  not sure how much colder you guys are right now in michigan but we don't plant ours until late october early november around here.  congrats on the good deal the farmers market.  i can't wait to plant mine and for next july lol.  i eat garlic on everything so i'm stoked already.