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 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.
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