If you’ve ever stumbled upon garlic scapes at your local farmers’ market or in your garden and wondered, “How do you eat garlic scapes?”, you’re in for a treat! These curly, green stalks are the flower shoots of hardneck garlic plants, packed with a mild garlic flavor and a tender texture that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about enjoying garlic scapes, from what they are to tasty ways to cook and eat them.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the long, curly stems that grow from hardneck garlic plants before the bulbs mature. They are harvested early in the season to help the garlic bulbs grow larger and more flavorful. Rather than letting these scapes go to waste, they’re prized as a gourmet ingredient with a fresh, garlicky taste that’s less intense than raw garlic cloves but more vibrant than garlic powder.
How Do You Eat Garlic Scapes? Basic Preparation Tips
Before cooking with garlic scapes, give them a good rinse to remove any dirt. Their tough ends can be trimmed off, and you can cut them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole depending on your recipe.
Garlic scapes can be eaten raw, but cooking enhances their flavor and softens their texture. They have a delightful crunch and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with many dishes.
Cooking Methods for Garlic Scapes
1. Sautéing
One of the easiest and most popular ways to eat garlic scapes is to sauté them. Chop the scapes into small pieces, heat some butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the scapes for 3 to 5 minutes until tender and slightly browned. You can season with salt, pepper, or add soy sauce, vinegar, or herbs for extra flavor.
Sautéed garlic scapes make a fantastic addition to pasta, pizza toppings, salads, or scrambled eggs.
2. Grilling
Grilling garlic scapes is another delicious way to enjoy their natural flavor. Toss whole scapes with olive oil and salt, then grill over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until they develop a light char. The grill brings out their sweetness while keeping a pleasant crunch.
Grilled scapes are great served alongside other grilled vegetables or chopped up in grain bowls and salads.
3. Roasting
Roasting garlic scapes with meats and vegetables is a wonderful way to add garlicky aroma and flavor to your meal. Simply toss scapes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
4. Stir-Frying
Quick stir-frying with garlic scapes is a tasty option, especially when paired with soy sauce, sesame seeds, and a touch of sweetness like rice syrup for an Asian-inspired dish. This method keeps the scapes crisp and flavorful.
5. Tempura or Fried
For a fun twist, garlic scapes can be lightly battered and deep-fried. This tempura-style cooking tempers their pungency and gives them a texture similar to green beans, served with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or garlicky aioli.
6. Pickling
Pickled garlic scapes are a great way to preserve their flavor beyond the short season. Pickling adds a tangy crunch that works well as a condiment or snack.
Creative Ways to Use Garlic Scapes
– Garlic Scape Pesto: Blend garlic scapes with parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil for a vibrant pesto that’s perfect on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
– Garlic Butter Spread: Finely chop scapes and mix into softened butter for a mild garlic bread spread that’s less intense than traditional garlic butter.
– Salad Garnish: Thinly sliced scapes add a fresh, garlicky crunch to salads.
– Soups and Risottos: Stir chopped scapes into soups or sprinkle over risottos for a garlicky lift.
– Egg Dishes: Mix sautéed scapes into frittatas, omelets, or scrambled eggs for a burst of flavor.
Tips for Cooking Garlic Scapes Like a Pro
– Blanching first: For a vibrant green color and tender texture, blanch garlic scapes in boiling salted water for about 2 minutes, then plunge them into ice water before cooking further.
– Don’t overcook: Garlic scapes should be cooked until tender but still retain some bite to enjoy their fresh texture.
– Pair with complementary flavors: Garlic scapes go well with lemon, soy sauce, sesame, olive oil, butter, herbs like parsley and basil, and cheeses like parmesan.
When and Where to Find Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are a seasonal delight, typically available in late spring to early summer. They are often found at farmers’ markets, specialty grocery stores, or you can grow your own if you cultivate hardneck garlic.
Garlic scapes are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be enjoyed in many ways-from simple sautés to creative pestos and pickles. Their unique garlicky taste and tender texture make them a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cooking with something fresh and seasonal.
Enjoy experimenting with garlic scapes and discover your favorite way to eat this garlicky green!