Garlic scapes, the tender green shoots of garlic plants, are a seasonal delight that often goes unnoticed. With a unique, mild garlic flavor, they add a delightful twist to many dishes. As a chef, I love incorporating garlic scapes into my meals, not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits and versatility. This article will guide you on how to store garlic scapes effectively, ensuring you can enjoy their fresh flavor long after the harvest. Plus, I’ll share 16 exciting garlic scape recipes that will inspire you to explore this unique ingredient that you may never have tried before.

Ingredients

• Garlic Scapes: 1 bunch (about 8-10 scapes). Choose firm, straight ones for the best quality.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing). Opt for extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor.
• Salt: to taste. Sea salt or kosher salt works great for seasoning.
• Pepper: to taste. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: optional, ¼ cup grated (for garlic scape pesto). Use freshly grated cheese for the best texture.
• Nuts (e.g., pine nuts or walnuts): ¼ cup (for garlic scape pesto). Toasting nuts beforehand intensifies their flavor.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (for flavoring, optional). Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish.

When selecting garlic scapes, look for bright green, firm stalks. Avoid any that appear wilted or discolored, as they indicate age. Fresh scapes should feel crisp and have a vibrant color. If you’re using scapes in recipes like garlic scape pesto or sautéed garlic scapes, ensure freshness for the best flavor profile and maximum health benefits. Garlic scapes are typically available in the spring and early summer, so keep an eye out for them at your local farmers’ market.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preparation: Rinse the garlic scapes under cool water to remove any dirt and debris. Make sure to inspect them closely for any insects or dirt stuck in the curls. Pat them dry with a clean towel to avoid excess moisture.
2. Trimming: Use a sharp knife to trim off any tough ends or flowers at the top of the scapes. They should be approximately 6-8 inches long, which is the ideal length for cooking. Discard any parts that feel dry or hard.
3. Sautéing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the trimmed garlic scapes and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook them until they are tender and slightly caramelized, indicating they have developed a rich flavor. You can tell they are ready when they turn a vibrant green and start to brown slightly.
4. Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve immediately, or let cool if you’re storing them for later use. If you’re making a dish that requires more seasoning, taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
5. Pesto Making: To make garlic scape pesto, combine the sautéed scapes, Parmesan cheese, nuts, and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or parsley.

Tips & Tricks

Storing garlic scapes properly is key to maintaining their freshness: Check out our related guide for more tips on how to store garlic scapes so you can enjoy them longer.

• Refrigeration: Place garlic scapes in a sealed plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. They can last for up to two weeks if stored properly, but be sure to check for signs of wilting or spoilage.
• Freezing: To preserve garlic scapes long-term, blanch them for 2 minutes in boiling water. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Once cooled, pat dry and freeze in an airtight container. Frozen scapes can last up to six months while retaining most of their flavor and nutrients.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare garlic scape pesto and freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy portioning in future recipes. This makes it convenient to add a burst of flavor to dishes any time you need it.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Always use fresh scapes, as older ones can become tough and less flavorful. Additionally, avoid overcooking them, as this can lead to a mushy texture.

Using Garlic Scapes in Dishes

There are numerous ways to incorporate garlic scapes into your cooking. Their unique flavor makes them a versatile ingredient:

• Garlic Scape Pesto: A vibrant sauce perfect for pasta or as a spread on sandwiches.
• Sautéed Garlic Scapes: A simple side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or fish and adds a gourmet touch.
• Garlic Scape Salad: Toss sliced scapes into salads for added crunch and flavor; their mild taste complements fresh greens well.
• Garlic Scapes in Stir Fry: Use them in stir fry dishes for a garlicky twist; they add a nice crunch and flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Garlic Scape Sauce: Blend into cream sauces for pasta or as a dip; the creaminess balances the scapes’ unique bite.
• Easy Garlic Scape Appetizers: Wrap sautéed scapes in prosciutto or bacon for a delicious starter; the combination of flavors is sure to impress your guests.

Garlic scapes not only enhance flavor but also offer nutrition benefits such as vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. They are low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Explore the possibilities of cooking with garlic scapes and elevate your dishes with this herbaceous ingredient.

16 Free Recipes Featuring Garlic Scapes

• Garlic Scape Pesto
• Sautéed Garlic Scapes
• Garlic Scape Salad
• Garlic Scapes in Stir Fry
• Garlic Scape Sauce
• Easy Garlic Scape Appetizers
• Garlic Scape and Potato Soup
• Grilled Garlic Scape and Chicken Skewers
• Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
• Roasted Vegetables with Garlic Scapes
• Garlic Scape Risotto
• Garlic Scape and Feta Quiche
• Stuffed Peppers with Garlic Scapes
• Garlic Scape Pizza
• Egg and Garlic Scape Breakfast Tacos
• Garlic Scape Butter for Grilling
• Garlic Scape Hummus

Take advantage of this seasonal ingredient, and don’t let the opportunity pass to enjoy garlic scapes in your cooking! With proper storage methods and creative recipes, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate their distinct flavor into your meals, enhancing both taste and nutrition.

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Garlic Scape Pesto

Recipe by Chef

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Pasta Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

10 min

🍳

Cook Time

10 min

🔥

Calories

—

A vibrant sauce perfect for pasta or as a spread on sandwiches.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 bunch garlic scapes (about 8-10 scapes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garlic scape pesto)
• ¼ cup nuts (e.g., pine nuts or walnuts, for garlic scape pesto)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for flavoring)

Directions

1.

Rinse the garlic scapes under cool water to remove any dirt and debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

2.

Use a sharp knife to trim off any tough ends or flowers at the top of the scapes.

3.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the trimmed garlic scapes and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

4.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or let cool if storing for later.

5.

To make garlic scape pesto, combine the sautéed scapes, Parmesan cheese, nuts, and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if necessary.

Nutrition Facts