Garlic Scapes: The Edible Flower

Scapes are here! Many are unaware of this wonderful vegetable, but if you know where to look for them during this brief season, you are in for a treat. Scapes are only around in late spring - early summer for a short amount of time and typically only found at farmers markets. I started growing garlic, planting in the fall and patiently waiting all winter for them to pop in the spring. So when the garlic scapes appear, it is so exciting, not only because the garlic is almost ready to be harvested but you get a delightful, delicious vegetable while waiting for the garlic bulbs. I might just like the scapes more than the garlic itself! 

Use these exactly like you would garlic or onions, and put it in anything and everything.

What are garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes are the long, green curled shoots that grow from the base of hardneck garlic plants. They have a bulge on the end of the stalk; that is actually the bud. If you let them grow, they will flower and seed out. When growing garlic, you want to trim the scapes to encourage the garlic plant to focus all of it’s energy on growing the bulb.

What do they taste like?

Garlic scapes have a unique garlic, shallot, onion flavor. They have a slightly sweet, herbaceous, mild flavor. When eaten raw, they have a more pungent flavor, when cooked, they become sweeter and more like roasted garlic. These are perfect for those who don’t like strong garlic flavor but enjoy a more subtle essence of garlic or onion.

How to use garlic scapes

Cooking with scapes is so easy! They are hardly ever dirty, but give them a rinse and trim off the fibrous tip on the bud end. Then, use them in the same way you would use bulb garlic. You can eat scapes raw or cooked. Add them to salads, soups, sauces, stir fries, pickles, pizza, dressings, fry them, grill them, make compound butter, and anything else you desire.

How to store them

Scapes stay fresh for weeks, even months if stored properly. Place them in a paper bag or an unsealed plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. Another great option to preserve them is to slice them up, freeze them flat on a sheet tray, then transfer them to an airtight container or bag and store in the freezer. They freeze really well so you can pull them out all year long and use them in your favorite dishes.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started on using garlic scapes in your kitchen. 

Garlic Scape Butter

Scroll down for a printable version of this recipe

Yield: 1 - 16 oz mason jar

Active time: 10 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

1 pound butter, room temperature

1 cup chopped garlic scapes

Salt to taste

1. Place chopped scapes in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add softened butter and process until well combined, give it a taste and salt to your liking.
3. Place in a Mason jar and store in the refrigerator.

Use this on bread, in sauces, on top of meats or vegetables.

Grilled Scapes

Toss garlic scapes in avocado oil, salt and pepper. Place directly on grill grates until softened and somewhat charred. Serve with a drizzle of lemon and enjoy.

Garlic Scape Dressing

Yield: 1 cup

Active time: 15 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

1/3 cup roughly chopped garlic scapes

1/3 cup fresh basil leaves

1 teaspoon honey

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2-3 Tablespoons champagne vinegar

1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon

1 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

1/2 cup olive oil

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor.

2. Blend until the ingredients are pureed and emulsified.

3. Transfer dressing into a Mason jar and store in the refrigerator until needed.

This is the best time of year to find fresh ingredients, especially at farmers markets. If you enjoy fresh produce from local farmers and being able to find less common ingredients, I urge you to go check out your local farmers markets.

If you ever find yourself at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market on Thursday evenings, don’t miss The Chopping Block's chef demos at 5pm, featuring seasonal ingredients from local vendors!