Garlic Scapes: A Hidden Treasure of Market Farms

What is a garlic scape? A garlic scape is the flower stem of the garlic plant. They typically are in season in the second half of June and only for a couple weeks. Each garlic plant only produces one scape so the supply is limited, the shelf life is short (compared to garlic), and since they’re bunched you need several plants worth of scapes to make a bunch.

The flavor profile of garlic scapes is mild to medium garlic flavor raw and very mild to nearly sweet when cooked or grilled. They have a cooked texture similar to asparagus though they are quite different in flavor.

Two of our favorite things to do with garlic scapes here at the Zimmerli household are to toss them in olive oil grill them until they’re slightly tender 3-5 minutes. We serve these as a vegetable side dish. Another favorite is garlic scape pesto. This is great as a pizza base or in pastas amongst many other uses. Below are the ingredients & instructions.

Look for garlic scapes on our farm store, in CSA shares and on our market stand in the next few weeks and stock up while you can!

Ingredients

• 2 bunches garlic scapes

• 1/2 cup basil leaves

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup Parmesan

• 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions

• Roughly chop scapes and then pulse in food processor for 30 seconds.

• Add sunflower seeds and pulse for additional 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl.

• Add olive oil and process on high for 15 seconds.

• Add Parmesan cheese and pulse until combined.

• Add basil and lemon juice and process to desired consistency.

• Salt to taste.