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What is a garlic scape?
A garlic scape is a stem that grows directly from the bulb of a hardneck garlic plant. People are often not aware that you can even eat the garlic scape. The taste is milder compared to a clove of garlic. It really is interesting to think this crop has two harvests.
When and how do you harvest garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are typically ready to harvest in Ontario approximately the middle to end of June. We remove our scapes once the scapes begin to coil or curl. The easiest way to remove the scapes is by using a pair of sharp scissors or garden shears. Once the scapes have been removed the garlic will be ready to harvest 3-4 weeks later.
Check out this short video to see exactly how to do it. You will totally understand once you see it.
What part of the garlic scape is edible?
The entire scape is edible. We don’t eat the bulb. I cut off the bulb (the part that would flower) and only keep the bottom portion. The texture of a garlic scape stem is similar to asparagus.
What can you make using garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes have become quite a specialty item. You can make pesto, pickled scapes, garlic scape butter, or even garlic scape infused oil. You can use garlic scapes by simply adding them to vegetable dishes, soups, pasta and so much more.
Many people use scapes similar to if you were cooking with green onions. You can add them to dips or even use as a garnish on nachos!
How do you store them?
I keep some garlic scapes in a freezer bag in the refrigerator after I harvest them so I can use them fresh from the garden. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Garlic scapes are hard to find when they are not in season so you want to make sure you store some to use over the winter months. You don’t have to do anything complicated when preserving scapes. Freeze them!
Do you need to blanch garlic scapes before freezing them?
All you need to do is wash them, allow them to dry on a tea towel, place them in a freezer bag and store the bag in the freezer. Blanching is not required. When you need some scapes for your dishes, simply grab them from the freezer bag, re-seal the bag and return it to the freezer. It honestly doesn’t get any easier than this!
The scapes will last in the freezer for up to 12 months. I had some left over from last June and have just used them last week.
If you are new to growing garlic and wondering how to harvest your garlic, make sure you check out the video below. I will show you exactly how I harvest our hardneck garlic.
Let me know in the comments what you made with your garlic scapes. I would love to see all of your ideas!
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