Garlic Scapes

Garlic plants do not flower but they do produce flower stalks. On hardneck garlic, the stalks are known as garlic scapes. Garlic scapes start to form a month or so after the first leaves. They start off growing somewhat straight and then start curving in circles. It is beneficial to cut them off since leaving them on only diverts the plant’s strength and energy away from forming a plump bulb.

All garlic varieties produce a stem, but it’s the hardneck Rocambole garlics that send out the curling scapes that gave them the nickname ‛serpent garlic.’ There are many types of Rocambole, and the flavor of the scapes can vary considerably from variety to variety, just as with garlic bulbs.

Some of the more popularly grown varieties of Rocambole garlic include: ‘Carpathian,’ ‘German Red’ and ‘Spanish Roja.’ We are growing German Red and Spanish Roja along with several other varieties of Garlic.

Garlic scapes are harvested just as they are starting to peek thru the leaves. This is when they are most tender and can be eaten raw or used just like you would a scallion. As the scapes grow they get a little tougher and fibrous but can be sautéed or cooked gently.

We love fresh Garlic and having the Scapes is a great way to have the flavor as we eagerly await the fresh Garlic Bulbs.
Some of our favorite ways to use the Scapes are dicing them up and adding to our omelets (made out of the eggs from the ladies). Taking fresh butter and blending in the Scapes and generously slathering up bread to make aromatic Garlic Bread. Using one of my many mortar and pestles to crush up Pink Himalayan Salt and adding the Scapes to create a light garlic taste of salt to be added to fresh veggies.

The Scapes have a very short season. They will store for a few weeks in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or a few days in a glass of water on the counter. They make a very interesting flower arrangement. Scapes are also good frozen, just chop in small pieces and freeze in a freezer baggie. Pull out when you want to add to soups, pastas or anything else you would use Garlic in.