How to Cook With Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the delicious, curly, and edible flower stalks of garlic plants; they offer a milder, sweeter garlic flavor and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from pesto and stir-fries to grilled vegetables and flavorful sauces.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the curly, green flower stalks that hardneck garlic plants produce in late spring and early summer. Farmers often remove them to encourage the plant to put more energy into bulb development. Lucky for us, these scapes are completely edible and offer a wonderful, slightly sweet garlic flavor. Think of them as a more tender, less pungent version of the garlic clove.
Benefits of Cooking with Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes aren’t just delicious; they also offer several potential health benefits, similar to garlic bulbs. They are rich in antioxidants and allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating garlic scapes into your diet can contribute to overall well-being. Furthermore, using scapes reduces food waste and supports local farmers who cultivate garlic.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Flavor: Mild garlic taste, perfect for those who find raw garlic overpowering.
- Health: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Sustainability: Reduces food waste by utilizing the entire garlic plant.
- Versatility: Can be used in various culinary applications.
How to Select and Store Garlic Scapes
When selecting garlic scapes, look for firm, vibrant green stalks that are free from blemishes or wilting. Avoid scapes that are yellowed or have a strong, overly pungent odor. To store garlic scapes, wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and place them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. They should last for up to two weeks when stored properly. You can also freeze them. Blanching them for a minute or two before freezing will help preserve their flavor and texture.
Preparing Garlic Scapes for Cooking
Before cooking with garlic scapes, you’ll need to prepare them. First, wash the scapes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim off the very top, stringy portion of the scape, as it can sometimes be tough. You can also remove the bulb-like structure at the base of the scape, though it’s also edible and adds a concentrated garlic flavor. The rest of the scape can be chopped, minced, or pureed, depending on your recipe.
Culinary Applications: Ideas and Recipes
Garlic scapes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Pesto: Blend garlic scapes with basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil for a flavorful pesto.
- Stir-fries: Add chopped garlic scapes to stir-fries for a burst of garlicky flavor.
- Grilled Vegetables: Toss garlic scapes with your favorite vegetables before grilling.
- Sauces and Dips: Puree garlic scapes and add them to sauces, dips, and dressings.
- Pickled: Pickle garlic scapes for a tangy and flavorful condiment.
- Garlic Scape Oil: Infuse olive oil with garlic scapes for a flavorful cooking oil.
Here’s an example table showing the versatility of Garlic Scapes.
| Application | Description | Best Scape Preparation | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pesto | A blend with basil, parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil. | Chopped/Pureed | Garlicky, herbal, cheesy |
| Stir-fries | Added to stir-fried dishes with vegetables and protein. | Chopped | Savory, garlicky |
| Grilled Vegetables | Tossed with vegetables and grilled. | Chopped/Whole | Smokey, garlicky, vegetable-forward |
| Sauces/Dips | Pureed and added to sauces, dips, and dressings. | Pureed | Garlicky, creamy, savory |
| Pickled | Preserved in a vinegar solution. | Whole | Tangy, garlicky, slightly sweet |
| Garlic Scape Oil | Olive oil infused with garlic scapes. | Whole | Infused garlic |
Common Mistakes When Cooking with Garlic Scapes
While garlic scapes are easy to cook with, there are a few common mistakes to avoid.
- Overcooking: Garlic scapes can become bitter if overcooked. Cook them until they are tender-crisp.
- Using Old Scapes: Older scapes can be tough and stringy. Choose fresh, vibrant green scapes for the best flavor and texture.
- Not Adjusting for Flavor: Remember that garlic scapes have a milder flavor than garlic cloves. You may need to use more scapes to achieve the desired level of garlic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I eat the bulb at the end of the garlic scape?
Yes, you can absolutely eat the bulb at the end of the garlic scape! This bulb, often called the umbel, contains small bulbils. While these bulbils can be planted to grow new garlic plants, they are also edible. Their flavor is a bit more concentrated than the rest of the scape, so use it sparingly if you prefer a milder taste.
How do I freeze garlic scapes for later use?
To freeze garlic scapes, first wash and trim them. Then, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the scapes thoroughly, pat them dry, and then chop them into smaller pieces. Finally, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer. Blanching helps to preserve their flavor and texture during freezing.
Are garlic scapes safe to eat if they have started to flower?
Yes, garlic scapes are perfectly safe to eat even if they have started to flower. The flavor and texture may be slightly different, with a potential for increased bitterness, but they remain edible. You might want to taste them and adjust your recipe accordingly if they seem particularly strong.
What is the best way to mince garlic scapes?
The best way to mince garlic scapes is with a sharp knife or food processor. If using a knife, first slice the scapes thinly. Then, gather the slices together and continue to chop them finely until they reach your desired consistency. A food processor can make quick work of mincing a large quantity of scapes, but be careful not to over-process them into a puree.
Can garlic scapes be used as a substitute for garlic cloves in recipes?
Yes, garlic scapes can be used as a substitute for garlic cloves in many recipes. However, keep in mind that garlic scapes have a milder flavor than garlic cloves. You’ll likely need to use a larger quantity of scapes to achieve the same level of garlic flavor. A general guideline is to use about 3-4 tablespoons of chopped garlic scapes in place of one clove of garlic.
What are some good flavor pairings for garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes pair well with a wide range of flavors, including basil, parsley, lemon, chili flakes, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and various vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, and tomatoes. They also complement meats such as chicken, pork, and fish. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite flavor pairings.
How can I tell if garlic scapes are too old to eat?
Garlic scapes that are too old will be yellowed, wilted, or have a tough, stringy texture. They may also have a very strong, unpleasant odor. Avoid using scapes that show these signs of spoilage.
Can garlic scapes be grilled?
Yes, garlic scapes can be grilled! Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then grill them over medium heat until they are tender-crisp. Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the scapes, making them a delicious side dish or addition to salads.
Are there any health risks associated with eating garlic scapes?
For most people, there are no significant health risks associated with eating garlic scapes. However, some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, if they consume large quantities of garlic scapes. If you have a known allergy to garlic, you should avoid eating garlic scapes.
What’s the difference between garlic scapes and green garlic?
Garlic scapes are the flowering stems of the garlic plant, while green garlic is the entire young garlic plant (bulb and leaves) that’s harvested before the bulb fully matures. Green garlic has a more intense garlic flavor and is typically used like scallions, while scapes have a milder, more subtle garlic taste.
How do I make garlic scape pesto?
To make garlic scape pesto, combine garlic scapes, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. The key to great pesto is high-quality ingredients.
Where can I buy garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are typically available at farmers’ markets and specialty grocery stores in late spring and early summer. You may also be able to find them at local farms or co-ops that grow garlic. Ask around at your local farmer’s market; garlic farmers will be your best source for fresh scapes.