How to Use Garlic Scapes

Hello friends,

First HomeI bought my first home last summer. It just so happens that the folks who owned the home before me were avid gardeners so I inherited three raised garden beds. One day I got the bright idea to dive right into gardening. No, “let’s take it easy this year.” No, “let’s just start with tomato plants.” No. I went from zero to sixty.

I hopped online and purchased heirloom organic vegetable seeds, seed starter kits, heat mats, shelving, lights, and created a full on grow area in my basement. It looks like I am a doomsday prepper. Surprisingly, most of my seedlings are doing fairly well, and I’m not entirely overwhelmed yet. But I can feel it coming.

One of the easier things I’ve started to grow indoors is garlic. I simply purchased organic garlic and split the large bulb into pieces. Then I planted the individual garlic cloves point up in 6″ of soil, watered it, and covered the containers in plastic wrap. Who knew it could be so easy to grow?

Heirloom Seeds

The best part is that as the garlic bulbs grow, the plant produces a stalk called “garlic scapes.” What the
heck is a garlic scape you ask? Well, it’s a flower stalk that rises out of garlic as the bulb grows. The scapes grow very tall and eventually begin to curl. If left unharvested, the garlic bulbs will be stunted due to competing for resources. To avoid small, flavorless garlic, it’s best to harvest the scapes every 12 inches or so.

Sadly these greens are often tossed in the trash in the US even though they are considered a delicacy in many Asian countries. Garlic scapes are a shockingly tasty, green with many uses in every day meals. The flavor is mild and slightly sweet—a mix between a green onion/scallions and garlic. Once harvested, scapes will last for weeks in the refrigerator if kept in a sealed plastic bag.

So what to do with your garlic scapes? These fresh greens work well minced and added to salsas, dips, pesto, salads, or even mashed potatoes. You can also roast or grill scapes whole if you like a stronger garlic flavor or simply sauté them and toss in asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries, curries, or fried rice. A quick search will also turn up numerous vinaigrette recipes which call for garlic scapes.

If you aren’t growing your own garlic but are curious about garlic scapes, you’re in luck! These often appear in late Spring and Summer CSAs/ farmers markets. What’s your favorite seasonal farmers marker find?

Cheers,

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

22 thoughts on “How to Use Garlic Scapes”

  1. I know some people have a hard time growing garlic or they plant it at the wrong time. Nice to explained about the garlic scape and what to do about it.

  2. I was not aware of what a Garlic Scape was. Thanks for informing me. Very interesting. We love Garlic in our home, but take for granted what we can buy already prepared!

  3. We love garlic shapes! In fact .. they’re one of the things I look for at the first Farmer’s Markets of the year. I always use them in pesto

  4. This is awesome information about garlic scapes which I know nothing about. We use a lot of garlic for cooking so I will have to see if I can find them at the farmers market. My favorite seasonal farmers marker find is watermelon in our area anyway. Thanks for sharing the information.

  6. Wow, I’ve never actually heard of garlic scrapes before. We love garlic in our family though, so we’ll have to try growing some!

  7. I love using garlic scapes! They have such a delicate flavor for dishes where you don’t want the garlic to be overwhelming!

  8. I have always wanted to grow my own plants, but unfortunately am terrible with plants! That’s really cool to know though!

  10. I had garlic scapes in a CSA box a few years ago and they were delicious! We made two dishes with them and then I never saw them again.

  11. I don’t know why I never considered garlic a green though I know it’s super healthy. Cool that you can grow it organically in your home. I love adding garlic to everything!

  12. I had never heard of garlic scapes before. Very neat, would love to grow my own plants and such but I have an awful green thumb.

  14. I’m a huge garlic lover! I will have to check into growing it now. I’ll look at the organic vegetable seeds that you mentioned.

  15. I’ll have to try these. My favorite Farmer’s Market find is always sweet potatoes. I stock up on them to last for the season. I make them so many ways and they’re a fave here.

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