Escape to good flavor with garlic scapes
When I first saw garlic scapes at a farmers market, it reminded me of Ursula’s hair from “The Little Mermaid” Disney film.
Or I could’ve said it looks like my hair after I wake up!
Curious, I purchased a bunch and fell in love with the subtle garlic flavor!
Garlic scapes are among the first produce found at farmers markets. Their growing season is usually spring to early summer. So watch for it now!
It is the tender stem and flower bud of a hardback garlic plant. The hardback garlic is typically grown in Canada and the northeastern U.S. and is a plant I’ve seen often at early farmers markets in Minnesota, too!
The scapes grow straight out of the garlic bulb at first, then it coils and, when harvested, looks like long curly green beans. (or Ursula’s hair)
The bulbs can also be harvested later in the summer.
The taste is a unique blend of onion, scallion and garlic, but its not as strong as an actual garlic bulb. It’s said the texture is similar to that of asparagus.
To prep the garlic scape, snip off the tips and the bulb of the plant. Run the scapes under water to get rid of dirt and next, chop it up in whatever length you want.
Ideas to use scapes:
stir fry - add it to vegetables in your stir fry. Use it similar to scallions.
scrambled eggs or frittatas. While I don’t make many frittatas at my house, I do use it in scrambled eggs.
vinaigrette - it’s a great addition to a dressing.
pesto. It’s a great alternative to basil and pine nut pesto.
Garlic scapes are a great addition to meats and roasted vegetables.
It’s not recommended to use it in addition to a garlic clove. The taste of garlic might be a bit overpowering.
Garlic scapes keep well in the crisper. It can last up to two weeks there. Or you can chop it up and freeze it in plastic bags to preserve it for a longer period. Thats another great way to eat seasonally and freeze additional amounts for later use.
