Soft, mushy, or squishy texture
Mold, especially green, blue, or black spots
Dark, wet, or slimy patches
Strong sour, rotten, or off smell
Sprouting with very shriveled or dried-out cloves
Cloves that are brown, translucent, or water-soaked
Garlic that feels hollow or collapses when pressed
Visible decay spreading between cloves
Discoloration that is unusual for fresh garlic
Garlic that tastes bitter, sour, or unpleasant