Garlic scapes are delicious and make a great addition to many dishes.

Garlic scapes are the tender, green shoots that emerge from the tops of hardneck garlic plants during their growing season. These scapes not only add a delicious and mild garlicky flavor to various dishes, but also serve an important purpose in the health and growth of the actual garlic bulb. Harvesting garlic scapes not only benefits the cook, but also the gardener, as removing these shoots allows the plant to redirect energy into the development of larger, more robust garlic bulbs.

The art of harvesting and using garlic scapes may not be familiar to many, but with an understanding of the right time and methods for picking them, as well as some creative ideas for incorporating them into the kitchen, it’s possible to make the most of this versatile crop. In this article, readers will learn about the best practices for harvesting garlic scapes, along with tips on how to incorporate them into delicious and nutritious dishes. Stay tuned to discover how to make the most of this often overlooked, yet valuable part of the garlic plant.

Garlic Scapes: An Overview

Edible and Flavorful

Garlic scapes are the flower stems that grow from hardneck garlic plants. They are not only edible but also offer a unique flavor and texture, making them a versatile ingredient in various dishes.

These scapes have a mild garlic flavor, which is somewhat milder than the cloves beneath the ground. Their texture is crisp and tender, making them perfect for sautéing, roasting, or grilling. They can also be used raw in salads and other dishes, adding a delicate yet distinctive taste.

To harvest garlic scapes, use sharp shears or scissors and cut the scape close to its juncture with the plant’s leaves. It’s best to do this in the late morning or afternoon when it’s dry, allowing the cut to heal and minimize the risk of disease. After harvesting, store them in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.

There are several ways to cook and utilize garlic scapes in recipes:

• Trim the ends and buds, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and grill the whole scapes over a medium flame for about 10 minutes. The finished scapes will have a nice char on the outside and be soft on the inside.
• Chop them up and use them as a topping for pizza, pasta, or bruschetta.
• Add them to stir-fries for a hint of garlic flavor and a delightful crunch.
• Blend them into a pesto sauce with various herbs, nuts, and cheeses.

With their crisp texture and mild, yet unique flavor, garlic scapes are a culinary delight waiting to be explored. By making these scapes a part of your cooking, you can add a delicious twist to a wide range of dishes.

Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic

Hardneck and softneck garlic are the two main types of garlic that gardeners and growers can choose from. Both have their distinct characteristics, and choosing the right type depends on various factors such as climate, desired taste, and storage needs.

Hardneck garlic is known for its stiff, woody central stalk that produces garlic scapes, which are edible and have a mild garlic flavor. These scapes can be harvested and used in a variety of dishes like stir-fries, pestos, and salads. Hardneck garlic tends to have fewer cloves per bulb compared to softneck garlic but generally has a more robust flavor. It grows well in colder climates but may not thrive in hotter regions.

On the other hand, softneck garlic does not produce a rigid central stalk and does not grow scapes. This type usually has more cloves per bulb and has a milder flavor compared to hardneck garlic. Softneck garlic adapts well to a wide range of climates, including warmer regions.

When it comes to harvesting, both hardneck and softneck garlic have similar processes. Approximately two weeks before the expected harvest, gardeners should stop watering the plants and remove any remaining scapes on hardneck varieties. This helps focus the plant’s energy on bulb growth and cures the garlic for storage. By the time the plants turn around 50% yellow, gardeners can uproot the garlic heads and hang them upside down in a cool, well-ventilated area to cure for two weeks.

For storing the harvested garlic, hardneck and softneck garlic can be treated similarly. Once cured, hardneck garlic can be stored in bunches, while softneck garlic stems are soft enough to be braided for an attractive and convenient storage method.

In summary, each type of garlic has its unique characteristics:

• Hardneck garlic:
  • Produces garlic scapes (edible flower stems)
  • Robust flavor
  • Fewer cloves per bulb
  • Grows well in colder climates
• Softneck garlic:
  • Does not produce scapes
  • Milder flavor
  • More cloves per bulb
  • Adapts well to a wide range of climates, including warmer regions

Growing and Harvesting Garlic Scapes

When and How to Harvest

Garlic scapes are ready for harvest typically between mid-May and mid-June, depending on the growing zone. They should be picked once they have risen above the leaves and begun to curl. To harvest garlic scapes, use sharp scissors or shears and cut the scape close to its juncture with the plant’s leaves. The entire green shoot of the garlic scape is edible and tastes delicious.

Growing Garlic Tips

• Seasonal planting: In the northern hemisphere, garlic is typically planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. This allows the plant ample time to establish and grow before the scapes emerge.
• Bulbils: Some varieties of garlic produce bulbils, which are small cloves that form on the flower stalks of the plant. When planting garlic, consider selecting varieties that produce large, flavorful bulbils, as these can be used for replanting or consumption.
• Energy management: It is essential to remove garlic scapes before they fully develop flower stalks, as this will allow the plant to redirect energy to bulb growth, resulting in larger and more flavorful bulbs.
• Size: When growing garlic for bulb production, it is important to plant cloves at the appropriate depth and spacing. Cloves should be planted pointy end up, about 2 inches deep, and 4 inches apart for optimal growth.

By following these tips, gardeners can expect a successful harvest of both garlic scapes and bulbs. Remember to store harvested scapes in a cool place out of the sun until ready for use. Whether used in culinary creations or replanted for future crops, garlic scapes are a valuable and versatile addition to any garden.

Storing and Preserving Garlic Scapes

When it comes to storing and preserving garlic scapes, there are multiple methods to ensure your harvest stays fresh and flavorful. In this section, we will discuss the most common and effective techniques: refrigeration, freezing, and pickling.

Refrigeration

Refrigerating garlic scapes is the simplest method for short-term storage. To do this, follow these steps:

1. After harvesting the scapes with a sharp pair of scissors, ensure they are clean and free of dirt or debris.
2. Place the scapes in a plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
3. Store the bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

Freezing is an excellent option for long-term storage of garlic scapes. Here’s how to prepare and freeze them:

1. Wash and dry the harvested scapes.
2. Chop the scapes into small pieces or process them in a food processor until they are fine chunks.
3. Place the processed scapes in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
4. Flatten the bags with your hands or a rolling pin to save space and promote even freezing.
5. Store the flattened bags in the freezer for up to a year.

Pickling

Pickling garlic scapes adds a tangy twist and provides an alternative preservation method. Follow these steps to make pickled garlic scapes:

1. Ensure the harvested scapes are clean and free of dirt or debris.
2. Cut the scapes into 1-inch pieces or smaller, depending on the size of your pickling jar.
3. Prepare a brine or vinegar pickling solution, using a recipe suitable for pickling vegetables or a store-bought mix.
4. Place the garlic scapes inside a clean pickling jar and pour the prepared brine or vinegar solution over them, ensuring they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for the recommended time. The pickled garlic scapes can then be enjoyed on their own or added to a variety of dishes for a burst of flavor.

Using Garlic Scapes in the Kitchen

Garlic scapes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, both raw and cooked. In this section, we will explore different ways to incorporate garlic scapes into your culinary creations.

Raw and Cooked Applications

Garlic scapes can be enjoyed raw, adding a pungent and crisp texture to dishes such as:

• Salads
• Sandwiches
• Slaws

They can also be cooked, providing a milder garlic flavor when used in:

• Soups
• Stews
• Sauces
• Stir-fries

To prepare garlic scapes for these applications, simply trim them to the desired length and remove any tough or woody sections.

Garlic Scape Pesto

A popular and easy-to-make recipe using garlic scapes is garlic scape pesto. To make this delicious pesto, you will need:

• 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
• 1/3 cup nuts (such as pine nuts or walnuts)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine the garlic scapes, nuts, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor or blender. Slowly add olive oil while blending, until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garlic scape pesto can be used as a spread for sandwiches, a sauce for pasta, or a flavorful addition to roasted vegetables.

Other Popular Recipes

Garlic scapes can also be used in other popular recipes, such as:

• Garlic scape hummus: Add chopped scapes to your favorite hummus recipe for an extra garlic kick.
• Grilled scapes: Toss whole scapes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place them on the grill for a few minutes per side until they are charred and tender.
• Pickled scapes: Preserve scapes by pickling them in a vinegar-based brine that includes your choice of spices, such as peppercorns and mustard seeds.

In conclusion, garlic scapes are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, both raw and cooked, and add a unique twist to traditional dishes. Experiment with garlic scapes and let their delicious, pungent flavor elevate your cooking to new levels.