Garlic Scapes Comprehensive Guide to Storage, Prep & Recipes
Tender green stalks add a mild aromatic accent that transforms everyday dishes.
The Crisper Whisperer: What to Do With Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are one of early summer’s hidden treasures—twisting, curling green stalks with a delicate garlicky flavor and a wealth of culinary uses. Whether you’re harvesting from your own garden or snagging a bundle at the farmers’ market, these stems can be both delicious and perplexing for home cooks. This guide covers everything you need to know: what garlic scapes are, how to store and prepare them, creative ways to use them, and an in-depth recipe for garlic scape pesto. Dive in and discover the possibilities that these unique shoots can bring to your kitchen.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the flower stalks of hardneck garlic plants. As the garlic matures in late spring and early summer, it sends up these curly, bright green shoots. Farmers trim them off to encourage the bulbs to grow bigger, and the trimmed scapes then find their way to market stalls and CSA boxes. With their long, winding shape and pointed buds, garlic scapes look a bit like thin, whimsical green beans or scallions with a twist at the end.
Garlic Scapes at a Glance
- Flavor: Mild, fresh garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness and grassy brightness.
- Appearance: Slender, green, round stalks that usually curl or coil; tend to be 12-24 inches long.
- Season: Late spring through early summer (typically June in most climates).
- Use: Edible raw or cooked from tip to base, though the woody ends may be tough as scapes mature.
How to Select and Store Garlic Scapes
When choosing garlic scapes, look for stalks that are firm, bright green, and free from significant wilting or blemishes. Young, tender scapes will be less fibrous and more flavorful than older, thicker versions. Avoid any with yellowing or mushy spots.
Storage Tips:
- Wrap loosely in a damp paper towel and seal in a plastic bag.
- Store in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
- Properly stored, garlic scapes can stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- For longer storage, chop and freeze scapes in airtight containers or freezer bags.
How to Prep Garlic Scapes
Preparation is straightforward, but a few key tips will unlock the best texture and flavor:
- Rinse well under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Trim off the woody, tough ends—generally the last inch or so—and discard or compost them.
- Depending on the recipe, cut scapes into one- to two-inch segments, dice, or leave whole for roasting and grilling.
- If the flower bud is especially tight or fibrous, you may want to snip it off; otherwise, it’s edible and flavorful.
Cooking With Garlic Scapes: Flavor and Uses
Garlic scapes shine in both raw and cooked preparations. Their mellow garlic essence makes them perfect for dishes where you want subtle pungency without raw garlic’s sharp bite.
Raw
- Sliced thin and tossed into green salads, pasta salads, or salsas.
- Pureed into dips, pestos, or spreads.
- Minced and sprinkled over finished dishes for fresh flavor and crunch.
Cooked
- Sautéed as you would scallions, asparagus, or green beans.
- Grilled or roasted whole, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt.
- Stir-fried, braised, or simmered into soups and stews.
- Tossed on pizza or baked into frittatas and quiches.
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Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe
Perhaps the most popular use for garlic scapes is pesto. This vibrant green sauce transforms scapes’ garlicky flavor into a rich, punchy spread that works with anything from pasta and sandwiches to roasted vegetables and grilled meats. Below is a tried-and-true template you can tweak to taste.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped garlic scapes (about 6–7 medium scapes, rinsed and trimmed)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pepitas)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (or Pecorino Romano, or nutritional yeast for a vegan version)
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- (Optional) 1/2 cup fresh basil or other tender herbs for added flavor and color
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over low heat, stirring frequently until just golden and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Let them cool.
- Combine garlic scapes, cooled nuts, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until a coarse paste forms.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, scraping down sides as needed, until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Add the cheese and any optional herbs. Pulse to blend, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to six months.
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with hot pasta or gnocchi and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
- Spread on crusty bread, crostini, or sandwiches.
- Stir into scrambled eggs or frittatas.
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
- Use as a pizza sauce base or swirl into soups.
Other Delicious Ways to Use Garlic Scapes
- Grilled or Roasted Scapes: Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, grill or roast until tender and slightly charred.
- Pickled Garlic Scapes: Blanch scapes, pack them into jars, and cover with a basic pickle brine. Store refrigerated for quick snacking.
- Sautéed as a Side Dish: Slice into 2-inch pieces and sauté with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, finishing with a dash of lemon juice.
- Stir-Fries: Cut into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and a splash of soy sauce.
- Added to Mashed Potatoes: Boil cut scapes until tender and mash into potatoes for a garlicky twist.
- In Salads: Thinly slice and add to potato salad, grain salad, or a crisp slaw.
- Blended into Compound Butter: Finely chop raw scapes and mix into softened butter; serve on grilled steak, fish, or bread.
FAQs About Garlic Scapes
Q: Can you eat garlic scapes raw?
A: Yes, garlic scapes are completely edible raw. Their flavor is milder and less sharp than raw garlic cloves, making them ideal for salads, pestos, and garnishes.
Q: When are garlic scapes in season?
A: Garlic scapes are typically harvested in late spring to early summer, usually in June, depending on your local climate.
Q: Can you freeze garlic scapes?
A: Absolutely. Simply wash, trim, and cut scapes into manageable pieces before freezing in airtight bags. They can also be frozen as pesto.
Q: Are all parts of the scape edible?
A: Yes, the entire green shoot and flower bud are technically edible, though older or very thick scapes may have tougher ends you’ll want to trim away.
Q: How do garlic scapes compare to garlic cloves?
A: Scapes have a milder, fresher garlic taste than cloves and don’t deliver the same intense punch or lingering heat. They’re best for dishes where subtle garlicky flavor is welcome.
Q: Can I use garlic scapes instead of garlic in recipes?
A: Yes, but expect a milder taste. Substitute about 2 tablespoons of chopped scape for each average clove, and adjust to taste.
Storing Garlic Scapes: Quick Reference Table
| Method | How To | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Wrapped in damp towel or bag | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | Chopped and stored airtight | 6–8 months |
| Pickled | Blanched and packed in brine | Up to 2 months (refrigerated) |
Tips and Tricks for Sourcing and Using Garlic Scapes
- Look for garlic scapes at farmers’ markets or specialty grocers from mid-May through July.
- Don’t be intimidated by their appearance; treat them as you would scallions, chives, or mild green beans.
- If you grow your own garlic, cut the scapes once they curl for the most tender flavor.
- Blend with other herbs—like basil, parsley, or dill—in pestos or sauces for extra vibrancy.
- Experiment with adding garlic scapes raw or cooked to your favorite recipes for subtle, layered flavor.
Nutrition Benefits
Garlic scapes offer a light nutritional boost, being low in calories but providing vitamin C, fiber, and beneficial antioxidants. While not as potent as garlic cloves in some sulfur-containing compounds, they still add heart-healthy and immune-boosting elements to your meals.
Conclusion: A Seasonal Star Worth Savoring
Garlic scapes are a fleeting seasonal treat that deserve a spot in your culinary repertoire. Their mild, versatile flavor, and range of uses—from pesto, salads, and grilling, to stir-fries and spreads—make them a fun ingredient to experiment with. Next time you spot a heap of these curly green shoots, grab a bunch and give them a starring role in your next meal.
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