Garlic Scapes

Garlic Scapes are the young flower of the garlic plant. They're a nice treat in the Spring, bringing fresh garlic to the table long before the bulbs are ready.  The tender stems can be used anywhere you would like a mild garlic flavor. Begin slicing at the flower end, then continue down the stem until you feel resistance from the more fibrous part near the end.  

Season: June

Storage: Store in the refrigerator, wrapped loosely in plastic. They should keep for about a week.

Longterm Storage: Garlic scapes can be kept in the freezer. Mince them and then store them in freezer bags.

Cooking Suggestions:

• Saute gently with vegetables (asparagus, peas, zucchini, peppers, onions – just about any combination is delicious!). Add scrambled eggs to the mix for breakfast.
• Add minced scapes to pasta half way through the cooking time.
• Toss a handful of minced scapes in when boiling potatoes about ten minutes before they're done.
• Create a pesto by combining scapes in a food processor with olive oil and parmesean. Use your favorite pesto recipe, just replace the basil with scapes and then use on pasta, and sandwiches.
• Scapes can also be grilled or sauteed whole, tossed in butter or olive oil, and enjoyed as a side dish.