What Are Garlic Scapes and How to Use Them in Your Kitchen
Discover the unique flavor, nutritional benefits, and versatile uses of garlic scapes—an exclusive, seasonal delicacy you won’t want to miss.
If you’ve strolled through a farmer’s market in late spring or early summer, you may have noticed long, looping green stalks with gentle arcs stacked in bunches among other seasonal greens. These are garlic scapes: the curly, vibrant shoots of hardneck garlic. Beyond their visual intrigue, garlic scapes delight chefs and home cooks with their mild, sweet garlic flavor and satisfyingly crisp texture. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn what garlic scapes are, their nutritional benefits, where to find them, how to use them, and even answers to the most common questions about these seasonal treasures.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the immature, flowering stems or shoots that emerge from the bulbs of hardneck garlic plants in the spring and early summer. As the garlic plant grows, it sends up these vivid green, curly stalks, which farmers and gardeners harvest before the flower fully develops—allowing the plant’s energy to focus on growing the garlic bulb underground.
Their texture is tender yet firm, similar to green beans or asparagus, and they feature a lighter, grassier, and less pungent flavor than garlic cloves. Some describe the taste as mildly garlicky with herbaceous and sweet undertones, making them appealing even to those who may shy away from the sharpness of raw garlic.
- Other names: Garlic tops, garlic stems, or garlic whistles
- Botanical source: Hardneck garlic varieties (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon)
- When available: Usually late spring to early summer (May through June in most regions)
Juliet Glass, director of communications at FRESHFARM, describes them as “really fun,” and notes, “they’re only around one time of year.”
Nutritional Benefits of Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are not just a culinary curiosity—they’re also packed with nutrients, echoing many of the benefits found in conventional garlic bulbs.
- Allicin: A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound also responsible for garlic’s characteristic aroma. It is noted for potential roles in heart health and immune support.
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C (supports immunity and wound healing), vitamin A (important for vision and skin), and vitamin B6 (metabolism booster).
- Minerals: Contains selenium, potassium, manganese, and calcium, which support various functions including cardiovascular health, bone strength, and antioxidant defense.
- Fiber: High in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and contributing to satiety.
- Low calorie: About 27 calories per cup when chopped; very low in carbohydrates and fat, making them an excellent choice for most diets, including keto.
| Nutrient | Per 1 cup (chopped) | Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~27 | Low-calorie food option |
| Protein | ~2g | Muscle maintenance |
| Carbohydrates | ~6g | Energy and fiber |
| Fiber | ~2g | Digestive health |
| Vitamin C | Notably high | Immunity and antioxidant |
| Allicin | Present | Heart, antimicrobial |
| Selenium | Present | Antioxidant, metabolism |
Jessica Levinson, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., confirms, “garlic scapes come from garlic, so they contain the same nutrients like antioxidants Allicin, vitamin C, and selenium, all of which are involved in heart health.”
Health Benefits At-a-Glance
- Supports cardiovascular health: Antioxidants like allicin and selenium help reduce inflammation and may protect against heart disease.
- Immune system support: Vitamin C and other compounds bolster the body’s defenses against illness.
- May have antimicrobial properties: Garlic and its relatives have long been associated with antibacterial and antifungal effects.
- Antioxidant boost: Helps defend cells against damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic disease.
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How to Select, Store, and Prepare Garlic Scapes
Shopping for Garlic Scapes
- Look for firm, unblemished stalks with a vibrant green color.
- Avoid limp, wilted, or discolored scapes; these may be old or improperly stored.
- Garlic scapes are rarely available in standard supermarkets. Your best bet is a farmer’s market, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share, or a specialty grocer during the short season.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate garlic scapes in an open plastic or paper bag in the crisper drawer. They can last up to one month.
- For longer storage, blanch briefly in boiling water, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
How to Prepare Garlic Scapes
- Wash scapes thoroughly.
- Trim off the tough blossom (flower) end and discard or compost it.
- Chop or slice the scape into pieces depending on your recipe: coin-sized for stir-fries, larger lengths for grilling.
- Scapes may be eaten raw or cooked. They tend to be crisp and spicy raw, and their flavor mellows when cooked.
Culinary Uses for Garlic Scapes
The unique flavor and texture of garlic scapes have made them a sought-after seasonal treat for home cooks and restaurants alike. They fit seamlessly into many cuisines and dishes, thanks to their versatility.
- Pesto: Replace or combine basil with scapes, blending them with olive oil, nuts, Parmesan, and lemon juice for a garlicky twist.
- Grilled or roasted: Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill or roast until lightly charred—makes a simple, elegant side dish.
- Stir-fries: Add chopped scapes to stir-fries for a crunchy element and subtle garlic punch.
- Pickled: Preserve them in a vinegar brine for a tangy snack or garnish—pickled scapes are a specialty at many artisanal markets.
- Raw in salads or as garnish: Thinly slice and use as a mild allium accent in salads, potato salad, or as a topping for dips.
- Egg dishes: Add to scrambled eggs, frittatas, or quiches for a fresh, garlicky bite.
- Soups and sauces: Substitute for green onions or add to pureed soups for a gentle garlic flavor.
- Compound butters: Mince finely and blend with unsalted butter for a flavorful bread spread or to finish grilled meats.
- Sautéed vegetables or pasta: Pair with spring and early summer produce like asparagus, peas, and new potatoes.
Juliet Glass adds, “They’re great for people who want an herbaceous addition to meals or don’t love a strong garlic flavor.”
Where to Find Garlic Scapes
Due to their seasonality and relative rarity, garlic scapes are often limited to:
- Farmers’ markets (especially in regions where hardneck garlic is grown)
- CSA shares during late spring and early summer
- Specialty grocers or local produce shops
It’s not typical to find scapes in big box supermarkets, but more and more local and urban markets are beginning to offer them as interest in regional and unique produce grows.
When you see them, don’t hesitate—scapes are only around for a few weeks each year, usually during the brief window when hardneck garlic bulbs send up their flowering stalks.
Tips for Cooking with Garlic Scapes
- Start with a small amount: The flavor is milder than garlic, but still potent. Taste as you go!
- Use the tender stalk: Tough, woody ends can be fibrous—stick to the younger, tender middle parts.
- Mix with other herbs and seasonings: Scapes pair beautifully with lemon, basil, mint, pine nuts, and mild cheeses.
- Experiment: Try subbing scapes in recipes that call for scallions, chives, or even asparagus.
- Preserve them: Extra scapes can be frozen or pickled to enjoy long after their fleeting season is over.
Garlic Scapes FAQ
Q: What’s the difference between garlic scapes and garlic cloves?
A: Garlic scapes are the tender green stalks that come from hardneck garlic plants, while cloves are the underground bulbs. Scapes have a lighter, fresher flavor and are typically available only for a short time in spring or early summer.
Q: Can you eat garlic scapes raw?
A: Yes! Raw garlic scapes are crunchy and have a pungent yet sweet flavor. They’re delicious thinly sliced in salads or as a garnish, though cooking them mellows their bite.
Q: Do garlic scapes offer the same health benefits as garlic bulbs?
A: Garlic scapes contain many of the same antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals as garlic bulbs, including allicin, vitamin C, and selenium. Both are regarded as beneficial for heart health and immune support.
Q: Are garlic scapes available year-round?
A: No—scapes have a very short season, usually in late spring to early summer. To enjoy them year-round, consider freezing or pickling when they’re fresh.
Q: Can I grow garlic scapes at home?
A: Absolutely. Plant hardneck garlic varieties in the fall. The following late spring or early summer, harvest the curly green stalks before the plant flowers to enjoy your own scapes.
Garlic Scape Recipe Inspiration
- Garlic Scape Pesto: Blend fresh scapes, olive oil, nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds), lemon juice, Parmesan, and a dash of salt.
- Grilled Scapes: Toss with oil and grill whole until tender and slightly charred.
- Stir-Fried Scapes: Sauté chopped scapes with eggs, seasonal veggies, or tofu.
- Pickled Scapes: Pack trimmed scapes into jars with vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices for a tangy treat.
- Herb Butter: Chop scapes finely and mix with softened butter and herbs, then use to finish steaks, baked potatoes, or fresh bread.
Final Thoughts: Why Try Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes add more than just flavor to your meals—they offer seasonal excitement, nutritional value, and culinary creativity. Their crisp texture and gentle garlic note make them a favorite addition for anyone seeking to expand their kitchen repertoire during late spring or early summer. Whether picked up from your favorite farmer’s market or grown in your own backyard, don’t miss the fleeting joy of these green, curly delights.
References
- https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/garlic-scapes-an-early-summer-delicacy/
- https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/healthy-eats-and-repeat/2019-06-12-game-garlic-scapes
- https://www.whocooksforyoufarm.com/produce-guide-item/garlicscapes
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a40209341/what-are-garlic-scapes/
- https://food.unl.edu/article/garlic-scapes/
- http://farmersmarketsnovascotia.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Garlic-Scapes-Profile.pdf
- https://foodprint.org/real-food/garlic-scapes/
- https://thewellnessalmanac.com/2013/04/14/nutrition-garlic-scapes-and-the-joy-of-eating-in-the-spring-time/
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