Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are the flower stalks that garlic plants produce in the spring. They are often discarded, but they are actually a delicious and versatile vegetable. Scapes have a mild garlic flavor, and they can be used in a variety of dishes such as stir-fries, pasta dishes, and salads. They can also be pickled, roasted, or added to soups and stews. In addition to their delicious flavor, garlic scapes also have a number of health benefits.
They are a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as fiber. They also contain antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Garlic Flowers
The flowers are edible and you can use them in many different dishes along with the flower stalk. Once the flower stalk straightens it can become woody, but you can still throw the garlic scapes into soups or stews to harness that yummy garlic flavor!
If you choose not to allow the flowers to develop, cut the garlic scape when it is starting to coil. This will direct energy back to developing that garlic bulb under the soil.
After you’ve cut the scapes, you can use them immediately, freeze them, slice and dehydrate them, or store them in the fridge for a week until used. They are delicious and you can use them like you would green onions or chives.
For more tips on what to do with your garlic check out this post!
They can be tossed into soups, sauteed and eaten like asparagus, or baked into any dishes you want to add a light garlicky flavor to.
Garlic scapes are so underrated and I don’t understand why: they are yummy and versatile. If you are looking for a new and delicious way to enjoy garlic, I encourage you to try garlic scapes. They are a healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
How do you use your garlic scapes?
[…] Garlic Scapes: In late spring your hardneck garlic will send up a flower stalk called a scape. It will grow out curly then straighten when ready to bloom. Cut this bloom the encourage the plant to put more energy into forming bigger bulbs. […]