Everything You Need to Know About Growing and Harvesting Garlic Scapes
Are you ready to delve into the world of garlic scapes? If you’ve never heard of these delicious and versatile plants, you’re in for a treat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing, picking, preserving, and cooking garlic scapes.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a closer look at what garlic scapes actually are. These long, swirly green stems are a natural part of the reproductive cycle of hardneck garlic plants. They grow above the height of the leaves, eventually curling around once or twice.
If left unharvested, scapes will develop small flowers and bulbils, which can be used to propagate new plants. While the flowers and bulbils are edible, they require more effort to prepare compared to the scapes themselves.
How to Grow Garlic Scapes
Growing garlic scapes is a straightforward process, especially if you’re already planning to grow garlic. As a bonus, harvesting the scapes may even benefit the bulb by redirecting energy towards bulb growth.
Hardneck garlic varieties are the best choice for producing scapes. These varieties tend to have larger, easier-peeling cloves and are more flavorful compared to softneck varieties. Some popular hardneck varieties include ‘Chesnok Red’ and ‘Music,’ both of which produce delicious scapes and bulbs.
Harvest Tips for Garlic Scapes
Knowing when and how to harvest garlic scapes is crucial to ensure you get the best flavor and texture. Scapes are usually ready to harvest about a month before the main bulb crop is ready, typically between mid-May and mid-June.
Harvest the scapes when they have risen above the leaves and started to curl. Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems as close to the plant as possible. It’s best to harvest the scapes before they become too tough, as this can affect their taste and texture.
Storage and Preserving
Once you’ve harvested your garlic scapes, you’ll need to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Scapes can be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks in an airtight zip-top bag. Alternatively, you can keep them on the counter in a glass of cool water for a few days, making sure to change the water daily.
If you have an abundance of scapes, consider freezing or drying them for long-term storage. You can also pickle, ferment, or use them to infuse oil or vinegar for added flavor.
Cooking and Recipe Ideas
Now for the fun part – cooking and enjoying your freshly harvested garlic scapes! These flavorful stems can be used in a variety of dishes, from pesto to stir-fries to soups.
One of the easiest ways to use scapes is to chop them up and cook them in any recipe that calls for garlic. They have a mild garlicky flavor with a hint of grassiness, making them a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.
For a quick and tasty meal, try making garlic scape pesto or adding them to a stir-fry or pizza. The possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking with garlic scapes!
Double the Fun
Don’t let your garlic scapes go to waste – double your garlic crop this year by harvesting and enjoying these delicious stems. Whether you use them fresh or preserved, garlic scapes are a flavorful addition to any dish.
Do you have a favorite garlic scape recipe or tip to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
For more information on growing and harvesting garlic, check out these additional articles:
- When and How to Harvest Garlic
- How to Identify and Control Garlic Pests
- How to Cure and Store Garlic from the Garden
- How to Identify and Control Garlic Diseases
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be on your way to growing, harvesting, and enjoying garlic scapes in no time. Let the culinary adventures begin!
