Garlic won't ever sprout or turn bitter if you avoid 1 'worst' place when storing it

It's fair to say that garlic ranks among the most crucial ingredients in the many kitchens. From broths and pasta recipes to sauces and dressings, a handful of garlic cloves can significantly enhance the flavour profile of many dishes.

However, your storage method might be compromising its taste. Research from Cornell University reveals that "storing fresh garlic in the fridge is generally not a good idea". Explaining the reasoning, Sur La Table chef Richard Temples told Martha Stewart's website: "The cold temperature in the fridge mimics autumn to garlic, and causes it to sprout within a couple [of] weeks. Sprouts are edible but can have a bitter flavour."

Whilst in this instance it's merely the taste that suffers, storing garlic confit or oil in the refrigerator can prove genuinely hazardous, reports the Daily Record.

Revealing the science behind garlic storage, researchers explained: "This is because garlic bulbs are low-acidity, making them prone to Clostridium botulinum, better known as the culprit behind botulism".

Regarding optimal storage locations for this ingredient, studies indicate garlic bulbs perform best at temperatures between 15.5C and 18C.

They require storage away from direct sunlight within containers that allow proper air circulation, such as paper bags, mesh holders or wire baskets.

Garlic isn't the only ingredient you might have been storing incorrectly.

Should you keep your cooking oil conveniently positioned next to the hob, we have some disappointing news for you. Specialists from gut health firm ZOE reveal it's amongst the most unsuitable locations to store cooking oil due to varying temperatures and exposure to light.

On ZOE's podcast, Elizabeth Berger, who distributes premium olive oils, explained: "You want to keep it where the temperature is constant.

"So away from the stove, away from a window where the temperature will fluctuate quite a lot. If you can keep it, you could always keep it in a cupboard, perhaps where you keep your salt and pepper and that sort of thing."