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Food

Everything You Need To Know About Garlic Scapes

The lowdown on this curly green vegetable.
fresh garlic scapes at the farmer's market (Photo: iStock)

Long, curly and deep green, garlic scapes are typically among the first produce found in spring CSA boxes and farmers' markets. But what are they—and what do you do with them? Here’s everything you need to know about these delicious greens.

What are garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes are the tender stem and flower bud of a hardneck garlic plant. (Hardneck garlic is the kind of garlic that typically grows in Canada and the northeastern U.S.) Scapes first grow straight out of the garlic bulb, then coil. When harvested, they look like long, curly green beans.

Garlic is one of the few plants with two harvests: garlic scapes are harvested in the late spring and early summer, and then the bulbs are harvested later in the summer. Harvesting the scapes is an integral part of garlic farming—if the scapes aren’t cut off, the plant expends its energy trying to grow its stem and flower, leaving the bulb small and flavourless. So, by eating garlic scapes, you’re doing your part in the garlic growing cycle.

When are garlic scapes in season in Canada?

These thin, green stalks are in season in in the late spring and early summer. Because garlic farming is dependent on soil temperature, scapes start growing once spring arrives and the soil starts warming up. In most parts of the country, scapes are ready for harvest in June and July.

Jars with pickled garlic scapes. Pickled garlic scapes. Photo, Erik Putz.

What do they taste like?

Garlic scapes taste like a unique blend of onion, scallion and garlic. However, scapes are usually less fiery and have a fresher, “greener” taste than the actual garlic bulbs. The texture is similar to that of asparagus.

How are garlic scapes different from ramps?

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Ramps, or wild leeks, can sometimes be confused with garlic scapes, since they also tend to be available in early spring (though generally earlier than scapes). However, ramps are their own plant (unlike scapes, which are the stem of the garlic plant) and taste like leeks and onion.

Is green garlic the same as garlic scapes?

No. Green garlic is a young garlic plant that’s harvested before maturity. It has tender leaves and is harvested before the garlic bulbs develop. Besides having a more tender-crisp texture than soft green garlic, the flavour of scapes is stronger. However, scapes can be substituted for green garlic and vice versa.

Where can I find garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes can be found in Asian supermarkets in the fresh produce section when they’re in season. You can also find garlic scapes in CSA boxes, farmers markets and independent grocers. You can also buy scapes directly from farms, such as Le Petit Mas in Martinville, Quebec and Thames River Melons in southern Ontario.

Because scapes are very hard to come by when they’re not in season (and even when they are, they’re not available at many generic grocery stores), it’s a good idea to stock up when you find them.

a close up of a bunch of fresh garlic scapes (Photo: iStock)

How do you store garlic scapes—and how long do they keep?

Garlic scapes keep very well in the crisper—they can last for up to two weeks. You can also chop them up and freeze them, which will preserve them for much longer.

How do I prep garlic scapes?

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Scapes are really easy to prep. Most of the time, the tips of the scapes will have a little bulb on it. Snip off the tips and the bulb, run the scapes under some water to get rid of any dirt and chop up the scapes to whatever length you'd like.

How do I eat them? What garlic scapes recipes can I use?

Scapes are very versatile and can be used in an assortment of recipes. They can be used anywhere you might otherwise use garlic cloves or scallions or even onions, in a pinch. They can be sautéed, pureed, roasted and pickled. (Sautéed in butter and sprinkled with salt, they make an excellent burger or sandwich topping, or even a kid-friendly side vegetable.) They’re great in Asian cuisine, such as a stir fry. They can be diced and used in omelettes, frittatas, soups and salads. They can be eaten cooked or raw—though, be warned, they are a little tough when raw. They can also be pickled—try our pickled garlic scape recipe—then used in salads in place of gherkins or other pickles.

Another common use for garlic scapes is pestos: it’s a great alternative to the standard basil and pine nuts combo. Garlic scapes pesto can be made by simply replacing basil with raw scapes. It's best to use a neutral tasting oil so the natural flavours of the garlic scapes can shine through. Give our garlic scapes pesto recipe a try.

With files from Renée S. Suen.

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