Crop Profile
Garlic Scapes
Garlic
Scapes
About 3 weeks before the local harvest of garlic begins, you can enjoy the fresh flavor of Garlic Scapes.
Garlic Scapes are the stem and flower bud that is produced by gourmet "hardneck" garlic plants. Garlic growers harvest the scapes because they're delicious; and also because the garlic bulbs won't reach their full size potential if the scape is left on the plant to mature and flower.
Most folks are aware of the seasonal nature of local produce. But, you might consider Garlic Scapes to be "super seasonal". They're typically only available for a couple of weeks. You definitely want to grab them when you see them; it's not a crop to think "oh, I'll wait until next week". By then, they could be all gone.
There are many great ways to enjoy Garlic Scapes. Here are a few:
* Garlic Scape Pesto; a delicious spread that's great on bread or crackers. Or, get more adventurous and us as a pizza topping or as a marinade.
{See the Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe below.}
* Grilled Garlic Scapes. Toss with olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. Cook right on the grill. This mellows the flavor, providing a somewhat asparagus-like treat.
* Garlic Scape Hummus. Substitute scapes for regular garlic in your favorite hummus recipe.
* Garlic Scape Butter. Use garlic scapes to make a herb butter.
* As a Veg. Cut to lengths similar to green beans and add to stir-fry dishes.
Garlic Scape Pesto
Recipe
Ingredients:
about 1/4 lb Garlic Scapes (8 to 10 scapes)
1/2 Cup ... Olive Oil
3/4 Cup ... grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese
2 Tablespoons ... fresh Lime or Lemon Juice
pinch of Salt and/or Pepper to taste
option: add 1/3 Cup of Pine Nuts or Pecans and increase oil slightly as needed.
Directions:
Puree garlic scapes and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
Add additional ingredients and continue to pulse in the food processor
to your desired consistency.
Garlic Scape Pesto extras:
-
Combine Garlic Scape Pesto with
mayonnaise to make a great
sandwich spread. -
Freeze some Garlic Scape Pesto
so you can enjoy it longer. If you
want to save smaller portions,
freeze in an ice-cube tray before
storing.
