What To Do with Garlic Scapes After Cutting?
Garlic scapes are a culinary treasure! The best thing to do with them after cutting is to immediately use them in the kitchen, either fresh or by transforming them into delicious and versatile preserved forms for later enjoyment.
What are Garlic Scapes? A Gardener’s Delight and Chef’s Secret
Garlic scapes are the curly, flowering stalks that hardneck garlic plants produce in late spring or early summer. Removing them encourages the bulb to grow larger, but far from being waste, these scapes are a valuable and flavorful ingredient in their own right. They possess a milder, sweeter garlic flavor than the bulb, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
Why Harvest Garlic Scapes? More Than Just Bigger Bulbs
Harvesting garlic scapes provides several benefits:
- Encourages Bulb Growth: Removing the scape directs the plant’s energy towards bulb development, resulting in larger and healthier garlic bulbs.
- Offers a Delicious Harvest: Scapes are a valuable culinary ingredient with a milder, sweeter garlic flavor than the bulb.
- Prevents Bolting: Left unchecked, the scape will eventually flower and produce bulbils (tiny aerial garlic cloves), which can reduce the size of the main bulb.
The Right Time to Harvest: Knowing the Perfect Moment
The ideal time to harvest garlic scapes is when they are curled but still tender. They should be harvested before they begin to straighten out or become woody. Typically, this occurs a few weeks before the garlic bulb is ready for harvest.
How to Harvest Garlic Scapes: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Harvesting garlic scapes is a simple process:
- Locate the Scape: Identify the curly, flowering stalk emerging from the garlic plant.
- Cut the Scape: Using sharp, clean scissors or pruners, cut the scape where it emerges from the top leaves of the garlic plant.
- Handle Carefully: Handle the scapes gently to avoid bruising them.
Using Fresh Garlic Scapes: Culinary Creations
Fresh garlic scapes can be used in a multitude of ways:
- Pesto: Blend scapes with olive oil, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice for a vibrant pesto.
- Stir-fries: Chop scapes and add them to stir-fries for a garlicky kick.
- Soups and Stews: Add chopped scapes to soups and stews for flavor.
- Grilled or Roasted: Grill or roast scapes whole or chopped for a smoky flavor.
- Salads: Mince scapes finely and add them to salads for a fresh, garlicky taste.
Preserving Garlic Scapes: Extending the Season
Garlic scapes are seasonal, so preserving them allows you to enjoy their flavor year-round:
- Freezing: Chop scapes and freeze them in freezer bags or ice cube trays for easy use.
- Pickling: Pickle scapes in vinegar and spices for a tangy condiment.
- Fermenting: Ferment scapes with salt and water to create a probiotic-rich condiment.
- Garlic Scape Salt: Dehydrate the scapes in a dehydrator and grind into a fine powder, then combine with salt.
Potential Problems and Solutions
Occasionally, you might encounter a few issues:
- Woody Scapes: If scapes are harvested too late, they can become tough and woody. Discard the tough parts and use only the tender tips.
- Pest Damage: Aphids or other pests may attack scapes. Wash the scapes thoroughly before use or consider using organic pest control methods.
Nutritional Benefits of Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes offer similar nutritional benefits to garlic bulbs, including:
- Allicin: A compound with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
- Antioxidants: Compounds that protect against cell damage.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Including Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and manganese.
Garlic Scape Recipes and Inspiration
Beyond pesto, pickled scapes, and stir-fries, the possibilities are endless. Consider:
- Garlic Scape Hummus: A garlicky twist on a classic.
- Garlic Scape Compound Butter: Perfect for topping grilled meats or vegetables.
- Garlic Scape Pizza: Add sliced scapes to your favorite pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Scapes
What is the flavor profile of garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes have a milder and sweeter garlic flavor than the bulb. They also possess a slight grassy or oniony undertone. The flavor intensity can vary depending on the variety of garlic.
Can I eat the entire garlic scape?
Yes, the entire garlic scape is edible. However, the lower portion near the bulb can sometimes be tougher and more fibrous. It is best to use the more tender parts of the scape.
How long do garlic scapes last after harvesting?
Freshly harvested garlic scapes will typically last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Store them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer to maintain their freshness.
Can I plant garlic scapes to grow more garlic?
No, you cannot plant garlic scapes to grow more garlic. They are the flowering stalk, not the seed-producing part of the plant. To grow more garlic, you need to plant the individual cloves from the garlic bulb.
Are garlic scapes safe to eat raw?
Yes, garlic scapes are generally safe to eat raw. However, some people may find the flavor too strong or may experience mild digestive upset. Cooking the scapes mellows the flavor.
What is the best way to freeze garlic scapes?
The best way to freeze garlic scapes is to chop them into small pieces, blanch them briefly in boiling water (about 1 minute), and then shock them in ice water. This helps to preserve their color and flavor. Drain them well and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Can I use garlic scapes in place of garlic cloves?
Yes, you can use garlic scapes in place of garlic cloves, but you will need to adjust the amount. As a general rule, 1-2 garlic scapes can be used in place of one garlic clove. Adjust to your taste preference.
What are some good spice pairings for garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes pair well with a wide variety of spices, including red pepper flakes, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley, and chives. Consider cumin and coriander in southwestern dishes.
How can I tell if a garlic scape is too old to eat?
Garlic scapes that are too old to eat will be tough, woody, and may have a bitter flavor. The stalk might also be very stiff and difficult to bend. The bulbils will also be very distinct and potentially hard.
Are there any potential health risks associated with eating garlic scapes?
There are generally no significant health risks associated with eating garlic scapes in moderation. However, people who are allergic to garlic should avoid eating garlic scapes. Eating large amounts of garlic scapes may cause mild digestive upset in some individuals.
Where can I buy garlic scapes if I don’t grow my own?
Garlic scapes are typically available at farmers markets and specialty grocery stores in late spring or early summer. Look for them around the same time as fresh, local asparagus.
Can garlic scapes be used to make garlic oil?
Yes, garlic scapes can be infused into oil for flavor. This can be done by simmering chopped scapes in oil over low heat, then straining the oil. Always be cautious when making garlic-infused oil, as it can create an environment for botulism to grow if not handled properly. Store garlic-infused oil in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.