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In the garden there are multiple surprises that make a gardener smile, garlic scapes being one of them. In this article we are going to deep dive these little gems, we will discuss what they are, how you can use them and how to preserve them.
Table of Contents
- What Are Garlic Scapes?
- What Do They Taste Like?
- How To Harvest Garlic Scapes
- 7 Ways To Use Scapes
- How To Store Garlic Scapes
- How to Preserve Garlic Scapes
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are long, green, curly shoots that emerge directly from the garlic bulb. Scapes are typical to that of a hardneck variety. If left on the plant, the bud on the scape will eventually bloom, signaling that the garlic is ready to be harvested.
However, allowing the scape to remain on the garlic diverts the plant’s energy into blooming rather than enhancing the bulb’s flavor and nutrient content. So, it is best to remove the scape as soon as they form.
What Do They Taste Like?
Garlic scapes tend to have a more mild garlic flavor than a traditional clove of garlic. The taste can be describe as more of a fresh hint of garlic and can accent a dish rather than flavor it.
How To Harvest Garlic Scapes
Harvesting couldn’t be easier. The exciting thing about garlic scapes growing is that it is telling you, your garlic bulbs are about 4 to 6 weeks away from being ready! Scapes typically grow in early spring or summer. When harvesting garlic scapes or anything really it is always best to harvest in the early morning or afternoon to give your plant ample time to callus over the cut before nighttime falls. This reduces the risk of introducing diseases to your plant.
Simply cut the scape at the base. You can also gently pull out the scape from its base.
7 Ways To Use Scapes
Scapes can be used in an array of ways. You can use garlic scapes like you would chives or even garlic. Don’t be afraid to use them raw or sauté them to release that beautiful flavor. They have a similar taste profile to chives but in my opinion scapes are just a tad more mild. Don’t limit yourself with it comes to adding scapes to your meals. Here are 7 ideas on how to use them:
- Add sautéed scapes to a butter base for chicken.
- You can chop them up fresh and add to salads or coleslaw.
- You can add them to scrambled eggs or omelettes.
- Adding garlic scapes chopped to baked potatoes is another great option.
- Sauté some scapes and add them to any soups or stews.
- Adding chopped or minced scapes to any marinade, homemade Italian dressing, or even making a veggie dip would be a great flavorful addition.
- Or simply lightly sautéing them, adding a bit of salt and pepper and eating them as a side is another option.
Let your imagination run with the possibilities. The flavor is forgivable and not overpowering so you have some grace when experimenting with garlic scapes.
How To Store Garlic Scapes
After harvesting them, gently rinse them off and allow to air dry. You can prep the scapes by removing the bud and any part of the stem that has hardened or yellowed. This could be left on and use but tends to be a bit more on the bitter side than flavorful side.
Once air dried and prepped store your scapes in a ziplock bag in the fridge. Scapes typically store well for about two weeks. Three if you are prepped and dried them correctly.
How to Preserve Garlic Scapes
Preserving scapes is a fantastic way to capitalize on this surprise harvest. The best way to preserve them is to dry them out in a dehydrator or our favorite way is to freeze dry them. On our farm nothing should go to waste.
Food preservation is such an essential skill needed. Ensuring that all the food from the actual garlic bulb being pulled from the ground to the scapes that shoot off of it are harvested and preserved for later use is important.
How To Freeze Dry Garlic Scapes
Rinse and prep your scapes as if you were going to store them but instead of leaving them whole you are going to finely chop them. You can also use a blender or food processor to do this job quickly.
Once you have all your scapes chopped finely, prepare your freeze dryer per manufacturer.
Lay out your scapes on freeze dryer trays, place in freeze dryer and hit start.
Once your scapes are done you can store them in mylar bags or my favorite method putting them in mason jars and using a vacuum sealer. This is my favorite vacuum sealer. It is super easy to use and super easy to store in my kitchen.
How to Dehydrate Garlic Scapes
Again, prep your scapes as if you are going to store them in the fridge.
Chop them up into small pieces.
Place on dehydrator trays and dehydrate on the lowest setting or to at least 95 degrees.
Once your scapes feel dry and crispy they are done!
Again, best way to store these are in mason jars that are vacuum sealed.
Just like mentioned above, everything that can be used or preserved should be used or preserved on any farm or homestead. Too much work goes into growing it and should be enjoyed as much as possible for as long as possible.
If you missed last week’s post on growing and using chamomile, be sure to check it out.
Until next time…
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