Garlic scapes
Allium sativum
SIMILAR VEGGIES
Spring garlic, Garlic, Spring onions, chives
A quick introduction
Garlic scapes are funny looking things: the long and curly green stems are new to most of our members and are a once-a-year treat! We harvest garlic scapes in July just before the garlic harvest. The scapes are actually immature garlic flowers and cutting them off before they have the time to mature stimulates the garlic bulb to grow bigger, a win-win!
Storage
Vegetable drawer of the fridge.
Season
June or July
Suggestions for preparation
Use the scapes like you would use normal garlic or scallions. Chop them and add them to stir fries, vinaigrettes or omelettes. Garlic scapes can also be pickled, or blended together with basil, pine nuts (or other nuts if you're on a budget), Parmesan cheese and olive oil to make a garlicky-pesto.
Recipes
Try making these pickled garlic scapes
Make a very quick Sichuan style ‘smashed’ cucumber salad (replace the normal garlic for finely cut garlic scapes).
Or go for another Chinese recipe and stir fry the garlic scapes.