What To Do With Garlic Scapes? A Culinary Guide
Garlic scapes are a delicious and versatile ingredient, offering a mild garlic flavor. You can eat them raw, cooked, or preserved, enjoying their unique seasonal taste in a variety of dishes or as a flavor enhancer.
Understanding Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are the curly flower stalks that hardneck garlic plants produce in the spring. They are harvested to encourage the garlic bulb to grow larger and offer a delectable bonus to gardeners and cooks. These vibrant green tendrils possess a mild, slightly sweet garlic flavor, making them a welcome addition to any culinary repertoire.
The Benefits of Using Garlic Scapes
Beyond their delectable flavor, garlic scapes offer a range of benefits:
- Supports larger bulb growth: Removing the scape redirects energy to bulb development.
- Unique flavor profile: Milder and sweeter than mature garlic cloves, scapes offer a different garlic experience.
- Versatile ingredient: Scapes can be used in almost any dish where garlic is used, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
- Nutrient-rich: They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering health benefits similar to garlic cloves.
- Seasonal treat: Their short availability makes them a special ingredient to look forward to each year.
How to Harvest and Prepare Garlic Scapes
Harvesting and preparing garlic scapes is a simple process:
- Harvest when the scape has formed a full curl or loop. This usually occurs in late spring or early summer.
- Cut the scape off near where it emerges from the plant. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears.
- Wash the scapes thoroughly. Remove any dirt or debris.
- Trim off the very tip (the flower bud). While edible, it can be slightly tougher and more fibrous.
- Store scapes in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. They will stay fresh for several weeks.
Culinary Uses for Garlic Scapes
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using garlic scapes. Here are some popular options:
- Pesto: A classic choice. Blend scapes with olive oil, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
- Stir-fries: Chop and add to stir-fries for a burst of garlic flavor.
- Soups and stews: Incorporate into soups and stews for a subtle garlic undertone.
- Pickling: Preserve scapes by pickling them for a tangy treat.
- Grilled: Grill whole scapes for a smoky flavor.
- Compound butter: Blend with softened butter and herbs for a flavorful spread.
- Garlic scape salt: Dehydrate and grind scapes with salt for a flavorful seasoning.
- Salad dressing: Chop finely and add to vinaigrettes.
- Hummus: Adds a unique twist to traditional hummus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While using garlic scapes is relatively straightforward, avoiding these common mistakes will ensure the best results:
- Harvesting too early or too late: Harvesting before the scape curls can result in a less flavorful scape. Harvesting too late (after it begins to straighten out) can make the scape tough and fibrous.
- Not trimming the tip: The flower bud can be bitter and tough. Trimming it off improves the overall texture and flavor.
- Overcooking: Overcooking scapes can make them lose their flavor and become mushy. Cook them briefly to retain their texture and flavor.
- Using too much: The garlic flavor of scapes can be strong, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Preserving Garlic Scapes
Since garlic scapes are only available for a short time, preserving them allows you to enjoy their flavor year-round. Here are some effective methods:
| Method | Description | Shelf Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezing | Chop scapes and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags. | 6-12 months | Blanching before freezing helps retain color and flavor. |
| Pickling | Pickle scapes in vinegar, salt, and spices. | 12+ months | Follow a reputable pickling recipe for safe preservation. |
| Pesto | Make pesto and freeze in ice cube trays or small containers. | 3-6 months | Thaw and use as needed. |
| Dehydrating | Dehydrate scapes until brittle and grind into a powder. | 12+ months | Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. |
| Infused Oil | Infuse oil with garlic scapes. | 1-2 weeks (refrigerated) | Careful to avoid botulism, refrigerate. Consult an expert for guidelines. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store garlic scapes after harvest?
After harvesting, the best way to store garlic scapes is in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for several weeks. Avoid washing them before storing, as moisture can promote spoilage. Wash them just before using.
Can I eat the flower bud at the end of the garlic scape?
While the flower bud is technically edible, it can be tough and sometimes bitter. It is generally recommended to trim it off before using the scape in cooking.
How do I know when garlic scapes are ready to harvest?
Garlic scapes are ready to harvest when they have formed a full curl or loop. This usually happens in late spring or early summer. Waiting until they start to straighten out can result in tougher scapes.
Can I grow garlic from the flower bulb?
While technically possible, growing garlic from the bulbils (tiny garlic cloves) in the flower bulb is not recommended for most home gardeners. It takes several years for these bulbils to develop into full-sized garlic bulbs. It’s much more efficient to plant garlic cloves directly.
Are garlic scapes as nutritious as garlic cloves?
Garlic scapes do contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but they are generally considered less concentrated than in garlic cloves. However, they still offer nutritional benefits and contribute to a healthy diet.
Can I use garlic scapes in place of garlic cloves in any recipe?
Yes, you can use garlic scapes in place of garlic cloves in most recipes. Keep in mind that the flavor of scapes is milder and slightly sweeter than that of cloves, so you may need to use more scapes to achieve the desired garlic intensity.
Are there any health risks associated with eating garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are generally safe for consumption for most people. However, some individuals may experience mild digestive upset if they consume large quantities. People with garlic allergies should avoid eating garlic scapes.
What are some good flavor pairings for garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes pair well with a variety of flavors, including lemon, Parmesan cheese, basil, chili flakes, olive oil, soy sauce, and ginger. Their versatility makes them a great addition to many dishes.
How do I prevent garlic scapes from becoming tough or fibrous?
To prevent garlic scapes from becoming tough, harvest them when they are young and tender (when they have formed a full curl). Avoid overcooking them, as this can also make them tough.
What is the best way to freeze garlic scapes?
To freeze garlic scapes, chop them into small pieces and blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This helps to preserve their color and flavor. Drain the scapes and then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and then freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags.
What can I do with garlic scapes if I have a lot of them?
If you have an abundance of garlic scapes, consider making pesto, pickling them, or dehydrating them for future use. These methods will help you preserve the scapes and enjoy their flavor throughout the year. You can also share them with friends and neighbors.
Can I grow different types of garlic and get different tasting scapes?
Yes, the taste of the scapes can vary slightly depending on the variety of garlic. Some varieties produce scapes that are more pungent, while others are milder. Experimenting with different garlic varieties will give you a wider range of flavors.