Garlic stored in the open air for any length of time looses much of its pungency. To keep fresh for up to three months, peel the cloves and drop them into olive oil, and refrigerate. Cloves that have been sliced or chopped and dried store well in a tightly sealed container for four to six months.
Fresh parsley helps prevent garlic odor on the breath.
To remove garlic odor from the hands, rub them with salt or lemon juice and rinse under cold water. If the smell of garlic permeates in a plastic container, wash it thoroughly, crumple newspaper in it and cover tightly. The odor will disappear in a few days. To peel garlic cloves, press them against the cutting board with the flat side of a heavy knife. The pressure will crack the skin and make peeling easier.