The garlic scapes are in. Check the shop for availability.
Garlic scapes are the stalks and unopened flower buds that grow from the bulbs of garlic plants. We have a few varieties of garlic growing this year. They are removed to allow the plant to focus its energy on the bulb, but they are a culinary delicacy unto themselves.
What do garlic scapes taste like? Scapes taste mild and sweet, like chives or scallions, but with a hit of garlic flavor, only softer than the bulb.
Are garlic scapes healthy for you? Garlic scapes pack a major nutritional punch for a mere 30 calories per 100 grams. They are high in fiber and contain generous amounts of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A.
Garlic scapes: What they are and five health reasons to eat them …
Garlic Scape Pesto
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped garlic scapes*
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- A few generous grinds of black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- *Or use half scapes and half herbs such as basil, dill and chervil
Directions
-
In a small, dry pan set over very low heat, lightly toast the pine nuts, stirring or tossing occasionally until just beginning to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.
-
Combine the scapes, pine nuts, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse about 20 times, until fairly well combined. Pour in the olive oil slowly through the feed tube while the motor is running. When the oil is incorporated, transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in the grated cheese. If you plan to freeze the pesto, wait to add the cheese until after you’ve defrosted it.
More tips on Scapes at The Crisper Whisperer: 7 Things To Do with Garlic Scapes Recipe …
More Ways to Enjoy Garlic Scapes!
Grilled Scapes: Another great, and very different, way to showcase scapes is to grill them, tossed with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, over direct heat for about two minutes. Flip them once, halfway through, and finish with an extra sprinkle of flaky salt and maybe a bit of lemon juice and zest. They’ll be charred in spots and just soft enough, and their flavor will have sweetened and mellowed dramatically. It is reminiscent of asparagus, and surprisingly different from raw scapes.
Scape Hummus: Scapes are a brilliant swap-in for garlic in your favorite homemade hummus adding great color.
Scape Compound Butter: Scapes make a tart version of garlic bread.
Scapes as a Vegetable: Scapes also work well as a vegetable, cut into lengths and added to stir-fries or blanched and added to salads, much as you might use green beans.
Tell us your favorite garlic scape recipe. Comment below.
Printable recipe cards GARLIC SCAPES (PDF)
