Why You Should Bury Garlic in a Bucket of Rice

When whole, unpeeled garlic is buried in rice:

It slowly releases allicin — a sulfur compound that gives garlic its sharp smell

This odor repels weevils, moths, and other grain pests

Insects avoid the area — they won’t lay eggs or infest the rice

✅ Think of it as an invisible force field — powered by nature.

And the best part?

It doesn’t affect the taste — as long as you follow a few simple rules.

🛠️ How to Use Garlic to Protect Your Rice (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose the Right Garlic

Use firm, dry, unpeeled bulbs or cloves

Avoid sprouted, soft, or moldy garlic — it can introduce moisture or spoil

✅ Pro Tip: One medium clove per 5 lbs (2.5 kg) of rice is enough.

Step 2: Keep the Skin On

Never peel the garlic

The papery skin slows down moisture loss and prevents garlic bits from mixing into the rice

✅ Why it matters: Peeled garlic dries out fast and can leave residue.

Step 3: Bury It Deep

Place the garlic in the middle or bottom of the container

For large bins, use 2–3 cloves, spaced apart

Cover completely with rice — the scent will rise and fill the space

✅ Don’t just lay it on top — burying ensures even protection.

Step 4: Replace Every 2–3 Months

Garlic loses potency over time

Replace with fresh cloves to maintain protection

✅ Bonus: You can reuse the old garlic in cooking — it’s still good!

🍚 Will Garlic Affect the Taste of Your Rice?

No — not at all.

As long as the garlic is:

Whole

Unpeeled

Not crushed or cut

…your rice will taste exactly as it should when cooked.

The garlic’s scent stays in the air, not in the grains.