Stephen Albert
Garlic scapes are a culinary treasure and a gardener’s delight, offering a unique flavor and texture that can elevate countless dishes. If you’re new to gardening or have spotted these intriguing green shoots at your local farmers’ market, this guide will help you understand what garlic scapes are, how they grow, when to harvest them, and how to use them in the kitchen.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the tender green stalks that grow from hardneck garlic varieties (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon). As the garlic plant matures, it sends up a central flower stalk, which is the scape. These scapes start as tightly curled tendrils and eventually straighten out as they grow taller.
The purpose of the scape is reproductive—it will produce small bulbils or flowers if left on the plant. However, removing the scapes encourages the plant to focus its energy on developing larger garlic bulbs underground.
Garlic scapes are not only a key part of garlic cultivation but also a versatile ingredient with a mild, garlicky flavor and a crisp texture.
How Do Garlic Scapes Grow?
Garlic scapes emerge in late spring to early summer, depending on your climate and planting time. Hardneck garlic plants are typically planted in the fall, overwintered, and then resume growth in the spring. By mid to late spring, you’ll notice a slender green shoot emerging from the center of the garlic plant. This is the scape.
Initially, the scapes grow in a coiled shape, resembling a curl or spiral. As they lengthen, they straighten out and can grow up to two feet tall. The tip of the scape often features a small, pointed bulge, which is where the flowers or bulbils would develop if left to mature.
When to Harvest Garlic Scapes
Timing is crucial when harvesting garlic scapes. The best time to harvest is when the scapes are young and tender, usually when they form one or two tight curls. This is typically in late spring or early summer, about a month or so before the garlic bulbs are ready for harvest.
To harvest, simply cut or snap the scapes off at the base where they emerge from the plant. Use a sharp knife or scissors to avoid damaging the plant. Removing the scapes not only provides a delicious ingredient for your kitchen but also helps the garlic bulbs grow larger by redirecting the plant’s energy.
How to Use Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Their flavor is milder and sweeter than mature garlic cloves, making them a great choice for those who enjoy garlic’s taste but want something less intense.
Here are some popular ways to use garlic scapes:
- Pesto Blend chopped garlic scapes with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), salt, and a squeeze of lemon to create a vibrant garlic scape pesto. Toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip.
- Grilled or Roasted Toss garlic scapes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill or roast them until tender and slightly charred. They make a fantastic side dish or topping for salads and grain bowls.
- Stir-Fries Chop garlic scapes into 1-inch pieces and add them to stir-fries for a crunchy, garlicky boost of flavor.
- Pickled Preserve garlic scapes by pickling them in vinegar, water, salt, and spices. Pickled scapes make a tangy snack or garnish.
- Soups and Salads Thinly slice raw garlic scapes and add them to salads or use them as a garnish for soups for a fresh and mild garlic flavor.
- Garlic Scape Butter Blend minced garlic scapes with softened butter and a pinch of salt. Spread this compound butter on bread, melt it over grilled vegetables, or use it to finish a steak.
Storing Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are best used fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag to keep them crisp. For longer storage, you can chop and freeze them or make garlic scape pesto and freeze it in small portions.
Garlic Scapes Summary
Garlic scapes are a wonderful seasonal treat that shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether you’re growing your own garlic or buying scapes at the market, they’re an easy way to add fresh, garlicky flavor to your meals. By harvesting scapes at the right time, you’ll not only enjoy their culinary potential but also help your garlic bulbs grow to their full size.
- Garlic scapes are edible.
- A garlic scape is a small bulb or cluster of bulblets at the tip of the erect leafless flower stalk. The stalk emerges a month or two before garlic bulbs are ready for harvest.
- Hardneck garlic varieties produce scapes. Scapes first elongate then curl at the end; later the scapes straighten and toughen.
- When scapes are in the curled stage, the bulb or bulblets will be tender; that’s when they are edible.
- A tender scape has a subtle garlic flavor. Mature garlic cloves will have more of a bite.
- Scapes can be sautéed, steamed, or chopped raw into salads, egg dishes, and stir-fries.
- Harvest scapes when they begin to curl. Use them in any dishes that will benefit from a light touch of garlic flavor.
- Scapes do not need to be harvested; they can be left to dry and bulblets can be saved like seeds and planted next season.
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