3 BEST things to do with garlic scapes. Learn how to prepare scapes, how to store and deliciously simple ways to use those versatile long greens!
If you’re new to garlic scapes, this article is for you! Be ready, you’re about to fall in love with these delicious, yet mysterious green vegetables.
Earlier this summer, my sister-in-law texted me and asked if I wanted some garlic scapes. She just harvested a bunch from her garden (she has an amazing garden, by the way!!) Until this point, I had no experience with scapes, but since I like trying new things, I said, “SURE!”
Oh boy, am I glad I did! These mildly garlicky, super versatile garlic scapes are SO delicious. And it couldn’t be easier to use!!
I simply have to share everything I learned with you, so you don’t miss out on the goodness too!
WHAT IS GARLIC SCAPES?
Garlic scapes are stems of hardneck garlic plant. They’re usually harvested in early June, so the plants can spend their energy on growing the garlic bulbs.
They taste like mild garlic, but without the zing! It’s like a scallion to onions, if you will.
HOW TO PREPARE SCAPES:
- Wash and dry the scapes.
- Trim off the bulb and top ends of the scapes, as they are stringy and tough.
3 THINGS TO DO WITH GARLIC SCAPES:
Here’re 3 best things to do with scapes:
- Use them fresh! Finely chop, or mince scapes and use them for sautéing for stir-fries in place, or in addition to garlic and onions.
- Make a garlic scapes pesto.
- Make a scapes compound butter. (Recipe below)
HOW TO STORE GARLIC SCAPES:
- Store fresh scapes in the crisper drawer in the fridge. They’re pretty hardy and will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
HOW TO MAKE SCAPE COMPOUND BUTTER:
It’s such an easy way to prepare scapes, and you can use scape compound butter many different ways: serve over grilled steaks, butter sauces, garlic bread, so on.
- In a small food processor, process 1 cup of trimmed and chopped scapes.
- Combined minced scapes with softened butter, lemon juice and salt.
- Roll the butter into a log on parchment paper. Wrap and refrigerate/freeze.
Garlic Scapes Compound Butter
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped garlic scapes Note 1
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small food processor, process 1 cup of trimmed and chopped garlic scapes.
- Combined minced scapes with softened butter, lemon juice and salt.
- Roll the butter into a log on parchment paper. Wrap it and refrigerate.
- To freeze: once the log is firm, slice them and wrap them back in parchment paper. Place it in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips & Notes
Nutrition
I’m about to make this but I struggle with the Carb. figure. Nothing has carbs except maybe lemon juice…68 grams is a lot.
Hi, Alanna. Thanks for reaching out. It looks like garlic scape has carbs.
How do you use your garlic scape butter?
Hi, Kimberly! You can use garlic scape butter for pretty much anything. I love using it to top grilled/seared steaks and salmon and toss it with cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and baked potatoes.
What exactly are garlic scapes?????
Hi, Karen. Garlic scapes are stems of a hardneck garlic plant. I’ve included about it in the article above.
Do you know how long I can keep frozen? Could I make this in the summer and keep frozen to give as a Christmas gift?
Hi, Ashley! You can easily store them in the freezer for 6-9 months. Just make sure they’re airtight to prevent freezer-burn. Freezer bag alone won’t cut it. Vacuum sealing would be the best.
I sprayed an empty ice cube tray with canola oil and filled the tray using a rubber spatula. I then froze them. After they were frozen. I popped them out and put them into zip bags. I double bagged them and put them back into the freezer. When I’m cooking something I can take one or two out.
Made it. Eat it. Thumbs up. Geo.
Hello,
I was wondering after the ends (the flowering bulbs) are cut off and woody pieces, do you know what they could be used for?
Hi, Donna. I usually just toss them. But if you really want to put those scraps in good use, then add them to any stock you make, like this beef bone broth.
I blend all the pieces. Spread them on a dehydrated sheet. When done dehydrating,grind into powder and use as flavoring
That’s a fantastic idea, Sandra. Thanks for sharing!!
1/2 WHAT Lemon Juice — 1/2 tsp or tbsp or juice from half a lemon?
Hi, Yvette. Thanks for reaching out and I apologize for confusion. It’s 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. I updated the recipe card.