Never E-scape the Garlic!
Never E-scape the Garlic!
As food growers, we tend to be foodies, that is food fanatics. Our sustainable farm loves innovative growing techniques which also translates to inventive cooking and eating. So when garlic scapes are in season on our farm we couldn’t be more excited to get to work on new & delicious seasonal recipes with you in… Read More »
As food growers, we tend to be foodies, that is food fanatics. Our sustainable farm loves innovative growing techniques which also translates to inventive cooking and eating. So when garlic scapes are in season on our farm we couldn’t be more excited to get to work on new & delicious seasonal recipes with you in mind.
Ever hear of garlic scapes? Garlic scapes are a vegetable, an aromatic, and also an herb all in one. They are the tender stem and flower bud of a garlic plant and grow straight up from a garlic bulb and then curl a bit by the time of harvest. Scapes are harvested in late Spring and early Summer in this hardiness climate zone in Chester NJ. Garlic is one of the few plants that has two harvests and harvesting scapes is important to the garlic bulb to ensure that the energy remains in the bulb producing a larger and more flavorful bulb.
Scapes have a unique taste that some say are similar to onions, scallions and of course garlic. We find that they have a very farm fresh and aromatic taste that can easily be adapted into recipes. We often substitute garlic scapes in recipes that may call for garlic or scallions this time of year for a fresh way to liven up a dish for the season. Scapes are easy to prepare and store and we recommend preserving some of these for enjoyment later in the year. You may dehydrate, pickle or ferment, make vinegar or infused olive oil, or wash chop and freeze in a plastic bag for up to six months. For short term storage, plan to wash the scapes and wrap in a paper towel covered in a plastic bag and place in your fridge for up to two weeks. 
Some ideas on how to incorporate scapes into your existing recipes is to try them in a sauté, puree, roasted, stir fried, diced into eggs, soups and stews or try crispy fried scapes for a real treat. If eating raw we suggest steaming them first to soften the exterior and make them more palatable. The most popular use of scapes we have found is to make them into a pesto alternative.
This time of year calls for many outdoor picnics for the upcoming father’s day holiday, graduations, confirmations and the like. Our Culinary & Educational Specialist, Miss Jenn, has specially crafted this delicious Potato Salad recipe for those backyard celebrations or for an easy weeknight supper. Try making this Garlic Scape Italian Potato Salad recipe today!
However you dream up using our garlic scapes, we would love to hear from you! Tag us in your favorite dishes on social media.
Best wishes from our farm kitchen to yours!
