GARLIC SCAPES
Garlic Scapes are a Spring treat! The garlic scape (aka garlic shoot or curl) is the young stalk of a garlic plant. As hard neck garlic bulbs grow and harden underground, they send green curly shoots up, which are essentially the plants flower stems. It is essential to harvest these in order for the plant to refocus energy towards growing the garlic bulbs themselves. These are a true Spring delicacy!
In season: Early June to End of June
Nutritional value: Garlic Scapes are high in fiber and contain good amounts of vitamin A and C, which work to protect your skin and lungs. Garlic Scapes are also high in antioxidants! A ½ cup serving of raw Garlic Scapes is a great source of vitamin B6, in addition to calcium, manganese, and selenium.
Storage tips: Garlic Scapes store best in the refrigerator and should be used within a few weeks, as the stalks will eventually soften and lose their punch. Trim the blossom (which looks like a small bulb near the end of the scape), as it tends to be stringy, use the rest of the scape as you see fit! In addition, you can also blanch and freeze for when you have a scape craving later in the year (and oh, you will)!
Culinary use: These delicate Scapes have an Asparagus texture with a garlic punch, making them perfect for grilling, stir-frying, sautéing, and more! Try slicing them thinly and using them as you would green onion or other fresh alliums. Sauté and incorporate into fried rice, omelets, stir-fries or as a pizza topping! You can even pickle and ferment them. Our favorite way to use them is in pesto, which we then slather on grilled veggies or toasted sourdough (are you hungry yet…).
