That moment in late spring or early summer when farmers’ markets and CSA boxes suddenly overflow with bright green, curly stalks is a delight for garlic lovers. These are garlic scapes, the flower stalks of hardneck garlic varieties. Growers snap them off to encourage the plant to direct its energy into bulb formation, but lucky for us, these stalks are a delicious bonus crop with a unique, milder garlic flavour than the bulbs they precede. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with these intriguing green coils, you’re in the right place. Using garlic scapes is surprisingly easy, and they add a wonderful seasonal zing to countless dishes.
First things first: what part do you use? The entire scape is edible, from the base up to the bulbous, unopened flower head. However, the very bottom might be a bit tough, similar to the woody end of an asparagus spear, so it’s often best to trim that small part off. The flower head itself can sometimes be slightly fibrous, especially later in the season. Some people chop it up along with the stalk, while others prefer to snip it off. Give it a taste test – if it feels tender, use it; if it seems tough, discard it. Wash the scapes thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry before proceeding.
Embracing the Raw Power
One of the simplest ways to enjoy garlic scapes is raw. Their flavour is distinctly garlicky but less pungent and fiery than raw garlic cloves, often described as having green or grassy undertones, somewhat like a scallion or chive but with a definite garlic kick. This makes them fantastic for adding fresh flavour without overwhelming a dish.
Finely chopping or mincing raw scapes is key. Sprinkle them generously over salads for an aromatic bite. Blend them into vinaigrettes – just substitute chopped scapes for garlic cloves in your favourite recipe. They work beautifully with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Think about incorporating them into dips; finely minced scapes can elevate hummus, bean dips, or a simple yogurt and herb dip to new heights. You can even stir them into cottage cheese or cream cheese for a savoury spread.
Quick Raw Preparations:
- Salad Topping: Slice thinly and scatter over green salads, potato salads, or pasta salads.
- Garlic Scape Butter: Finely mince raw scapes and mix them into softened butter with a pinch of salt. Roll into a log using parchment paper, chill, and slice off rounds to melt over grilled meats, fish, vegetables, or bread.
- Simple Garnish: Use finely chopped scapes like chives to garnish soups, omelettes, or finished dishes.
The Magic of Cooking: Sautéing and Stir-Frying
Cooking garlic scapes mellows their flavour considerably, making them sweeter and more tender. A quick sauté is perhaps one of the most popular and versatile cooking methods.
Simply chop the scapes into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches long) and sauté them in a little olive oil or butter over medium heat. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, until they become bright green and tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper, and you have a fantastic side dish on its own. They are wonderful alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
Garlic scapes are also a natural fit for stir-fries. Add them along with other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Their mild garlic flavour infuses the entire dish beautifully. They also cook relatively quickly, so add them towards the middle or end of your stir-frying process to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Cooking Ideas:
- Scapes and Eggs: Sauté chopped scapes until tender, then pour whisked eggs over them for a delicious scramble or omelette. They’re also great in frittatas or quiches.
- Pasta Addition: Toss sautéed scapes into pasta dishes, especially those with olive oil, lemon, or cream-based sauces.
- Veggie Medley: Combine sautéed scapes with other seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a simple, healthy side.
Grilling and Roasting: Bringing out the Sweetness
Applying high, dry heat through grilling or roasting works wonders on garlic scapes. This method caramelizes their natural sugars, resulting in a tender texture and a surprisingly sweet, mildly garlicky flavour with lovely charred notes.
For grilling, toss whole scapes (or cut them into manageable lengths) with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them directly on the grill grates over medium heat. Grill for a few minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to let them fall through the grates – using a grill basket or placing them perpendicular to the grates helps.
Roasting is just as easy. Toss the scapes with oil and seasoning, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and roast in a hot oven (around 400°F or 200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned at the tips. Grilled or roasted scapes are excellent served as an appetizer, perhaps with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a squeeze of lemon, or as a side dish.
Preserving the Harvest: Pesto, Pickles, and More
Since garlic scapes have a relatively short season, finding ways to preserve them is a great idea. One of the absolute best ways to capture their essence is by making pesto.
Garlic Scape Pesto
Making garlic scape pesto is incredibly straightforward. You can substitute scapes entirely for basil in a traditional pesto recipe, or use a combination of scapes and basil (or other greens like spinach or arugula). Simply blend chopped scapes with pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds), Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan versions), good quality olive oil, salt, and pepper until you reach your desired consistency. The result is a vibrant green pesto with a potent but pleasant garlic flavour. It’s fantastic on pasta, spread on sandwiches, dolloped onto grilled vegetables, or mixed into dips. Scape pesto also freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy use later.
Seasonal Specialty: Garlic scapes are the immature flower stalks of hardneck garlic, typically harvested in late spring or early summer. Removing them helps the garlic bulb grow larger underground. Their flavour is milder and fresher than mature garlic cloves, offering a unique seasonal taste experience. Enjoy them while they last!
Other Preservation Methods:
- Pickled Scapes: Quick pickling creates a tangy, crunchy condiment. Pack chopped or whole coiled scapes into a jar and cover with a hot brine (usually a mix of vinegar, water, salt, and sugar, sometimes with spices like peppercorns or dill). Refrigerate for a few days before enjoying. They are great with sandwiches, cheese boards, or salads.
- Freezing Raw or Blanched: You can freeze chopped raw scapes, but blanching them first (briefly boiling then plunging into ice water) helps preserve their colour and texture better. Spread blanched and dried scapes on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll lose their crispness but are perfect for adding to cooked dishes like soups, stews, or stir-fries throughout the year.
- Infused Oil: Gently heat chopped scapes in olive oil over very low heat (do not fry) for about 20-30 minutes to infuse the flavour. Strain the oil and store it in the refrigerator. Use it for dressings or drizzling over dishes. Be mindful of food safety with infused oils; refrigeration is crucial, and they should be used within a relatively short time.
Pairing Flavours
Garlic scapes are quite versatile and pair well with many ingredients. Their flavour complements:
- Lemon: Bright citrus cuts through the richness and enhances the green notes.
- Herbs: Parsley, mint, dill, and chives work well. Basil is a classic pairing, especially in pesto.
- Eggs: Scrambled, fried, baked – scapes and eggs are a natural match.
- Cheese: Parmesan, feta, goat cheese, and cream cheese all pair nicely.
- Other Vegetables: Especially spring and summer produce like asparagus, peas, zucchini, tomatoes, and potatoes.
- Olive Oil and Butter: Essential fats for cooking and flavour infusion.
Don’t be intimidated by these quirky green stalks when you see them. Garlic scapes are a fleeting seasonal treat that offer a delicious and milder way to enjoy garlic flavour. From simple raw preparations to flavourful cooked dishes and easy preservation methods like pesto, there are countless ways to incorporate them into your kitchen repertoire. Experiment, find your favourite ways to use them, and savour this unique taste of early summer.
