GARLIC season is upon us and these humble bulbs pack quite a punch.

As well as perking up pasta sauce — and warding off vampires — they are a household staple for many other reasons.

Getty

Garlic season is upon us and these humble bulbs pack quite a punch[/caption]

Getty

Garlic butter is cheap to make and can transform a slice of bread[/caption]

Here are a few ways you can get the most from a bundle of cheap bulbs . . . 

AIR HEADS: A head of garlic needs to be kept in a cool, dry place with good airflow, such as a mesh bag or basket.

Store it away from direct sunlight to keep fresh.

If you’ve got a glut, save money and food waste by freezing some.

You can freeze raw whole unpeeled bulbs, individual cloves (peeled or unpeeled) or chopped garlic.

One time-saving tip is to freeze chopped or grated garlic into ice cube trays, then cover with oil.

Freeze straight away to have it instantly available for future meals.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Some swear by treating a spot by rubbing half a garlic clove on to the problematic pimple.

Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm irritation, and the chemical allicin it contains can kill bacteria.

CLOVES SHOW: Garlic butter is cheap to make and can transform a slice of bread, a plain chicken breast or a boring old mushroom.

Make it by mixing 100g softened butter, a clove of crushed garlic and, if you like, two teaspoons of chopped parsley in a small bowl.

Use it to coat pitta breads, French bread slices or dough balls.

You can also add it to a foil parcel and bake with salmon or chicken, or mix it with cheese-topped mushrooms for a veggie treat.

WHAT A FEET: Bathing itchy feet in water infused with raw garlic is thought to be an effective remedy to treat athlete’s foot.

But applying the raw garlic directly to the feet could make any problems worse, so make sure you mix it with water before taking the plunge.

  • All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Save £3.20 on The Fragrance Society’s orange, bergamot and lemongrass diffuser[/caption]

SNIFF out a great deal with The Fragrance Society’s orange, bergamot and lemongrass diffuser, down from £16 to £12.80 at M&S.

SAVE: £3.20

Cheap treat

Save £2.60 on the Blavingad soft toy at Ikea

SIGN up to the Ikea Family scheme and get 15 per cent off selected toys until June 4, including the Blavingad soft toy, down from £17 to £14.40.

SAVE: £2.60

What's new?

ROBERT Dyas launches its MyDyas loyalty scheme on Tuesday.

Members can earn points that convert into cash on home and garden goods, and gain access to extra deals.

Top swap

Nivea Q10+ firming body lotion is £5.53 at Boots
Or try Boots’ own brand Q10 body lotion for just £2

PREPARE your skin for the summer with Nivea Q10+ firming body lotion, £5.53, at Boots, or try the store’s own brand Q10 body lotion for £2.

SAVE: £3.53

Leah's little helper

GET £10 off when you spend £40 at Giraffe restaurants before May 25.

Use code 23GIRMAY.

Shop & save

Save £1.50 on Method’s wild rhubarb floor cleaner

SAVE money and plastic when you buy Method’s wild rhubarb floor cleaner, down from £4.50 to £3 in selected Sainsbury’s until Tuesday.

SAVE: £1.50

Hot right now

PLANNING some bank holiday decorating next weekend? Wickes has paint deals including Crown matt emulsion, £18, or two for £29.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

You May Also Like

House prices up £32k in a year says ONS

House prices climbed 12.8 per cent in the year to May, up…

SSE profits stifled by poor weather as renewables output slumps

SSE has maintained profit expectations for the year despite a double-digit slump…

ALEX BRUMMER: Pensions fail a stress test amid UK bond market turmoil

When it comes to financial markets, you learn of new risks every…

Seven everyday mistakes that could invalidate your home insurance and cost you thousands of pounds

YOU probably know that home insurance is essential for any buyer –…