Peak of the Season: Garlic Scapes

by Interbay, July 4, 2009 | Permalink

Elegantly loopy, and delightfully delicate you’ll feel inclined to display garlic scapes in a vase, instead, show them off on the plate.

Why Try: Garlic Scapes are the flower shoot of the garlic plant before the bulbs mature. Scapes are removed to encourage a plump bulb.

Unlike their more pungent sibling, the garlic clove, garlic scapes have a delicate spicy undertone and a fresh vegetal taste. Only in season for just a month, you’ll want to take advantage of their versatility; from soups, to salads, to stir fries and side dishes.

How to Buy: Look for scapes with a firm stalk and flowers that aren’t wilted.

How to store: Keep scapes in a plastic bag in the crisper of your refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Power Packed: Garlic is a great source of manganese, vitamin B6 and vitamin C and selenium

How to Use: Scapes can be used like green beans or asparagus. Try them tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper then grilled or oven roasted. Trim into two inch lengths, blanch, and toss with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, toasted walnuts and goat cheese crumbles.

Here are some links to great garlic recipes, including White Bean and Garlic Scape Dip, Double Garlic Soup, and Garlic Scape and Almond Pesto.

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