How to use Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes are a wonderful summertime treat.  Scapes are the immature flower stalk of garlic.  By harvesting scapes, the energy of the plant is directed towards growing a large garlic bulb rather than producing a flower. These scapes should not be sent to the compost bin. They are not only edible, but also nutritious and quite delicious. Garlic scapes are a great substitute for garlic or onion in all of your favorite recipes. 

Scapes are milder than raw garlic.  Try sauteing finely chopped scapes in butter and adding them to scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast or if you are looking for an evening meal, make up some Garlic Scape Pesto.  Recepie below.

Garlic Scape Pesto

1 baker’s dozen of local garlic scapes

1/2 cup basil leaves

1/3 cup of your favorite nuts.  Pine nuts, pecans, and walnuts are all popular options and add a nice nutty taste to the pesto.

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Juice of half a lemon

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 

Salt and pepper to taste

Wash your scapes and basil leaves.  Rough chop and add them along with your nuts, Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a blender (or food processor).  Pulse a few times.  Now slowly add the olive oil with the blender set on low.  Add additional oil to thin to a desired consistency. Salt and pepper to taste and you are done.  It is so easy.