What Are Garlic Scapes?

Most home cooks consider garlic the ultimate kitchen superstar, playing a key role in some of our most beloved genres of cuisine, from Italian to Asian and Mexican. While using garlic powder and garlic salt are simple ways to impart robust garlic flavor, whole cloves also play an integral role in most cooks’ repertoire. Yet, while cloves are the most well-known part of the garlic plant, there’s another more “under-the-radar” component that also adds delicious depth and flavor to dishes — garlic scapes.

Let’s explore this insider’s secret in more detail and find out what garlic scapes are and what to do with them.

What Are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are edible stalks that emerge from “hardneck” varieties of garlic plants (more on that later). Their unique appearance makes them instantly recognizable, and in fact, they seem almost whimsical with a dramatic curl that often forms one or two complete loops. (If your scapes have lost their coil, that’s a sign that they’re past their prime and may be too bitter.

While many gardeners or cooks might overlook them, don’t sleep on their range. Garlic scapes are considered a delicacy with their crisp, yet tender, texture, similar to a green bean but with more substance. Unlike other veggie tops — like those on onions, which are hollow — scapes are solid throughout, with a succulent, juicy interior that carries a distinct garlic flavor that’s milder than a clove.

You’re unlikely to find them at the supermarket, though. Most common grocery store garlic is of the “softneck” variety which doesn’t grow scapes. By contrast, the hardneck garlic that produces scapes, so named because of a stiff, central stem or “neck” that runs through the middle of the bulb, is more typically found at farmers’ markets or specialty stores, in CSA boxes, or even in your own garden.

Hardneck garlic is a gift that keeps on giving. The garlic scapes show up above ground (think of a carrot top), but instead of being yanked out with the plant, they can serve as a stand-alone veggie a month or two before the clove is harvested. They have a short growing season — just late spring to early summer — so you don’t want to miss them.

The flavor of hardneck garlic is often richer and more complex than softneck garlic, but note that it has a shorter shelf life. However, cooks appreciate that the hardneck cloves are often larger and easier to peel. And of course, hardneck garlic offers the chance to cook with the beautiful garlic scapes.

Now that you know how to identify them, you may be wondering what to do with garlic scapes.

How to Use Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes can be quite the multi-tasker. They are often used similarly to how you would use green onions, chives or garlic cloves. However, as mentioned above, when replacing garlic cloves with garlic scapes, note that their flavor profile will be a bit milder and less pungent.

This lighter touch also allows them to serve as a standalone component in stir fries, omelets or pizza toppings. Or, they can pack a punch when you puree them as an Ingredient in sauces like vinaigrettes and pesto. (Just replace some or all of the basil to add some pizzazz to your pesto). You can also fold them into softened butter to drizzle on veggies or shrimp or slather on bread for an instant upgrade.

Actually, it’s hard to go wrong with garlic scape prep: They can be minced, diced, grilled, sautéed or roasted.

Garlic scapes last about three weeks; just store them right on your countertop. And if you suspect they are starting to lose their luster, you’ll have one last chance to use ‘em all up. By pickling them, you can prolong their life and enjoy their flavor year-round. A straightforward way to preserve them is in a simple brine of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, jazzed up with salt and pickling spice. 

Uncovering new kitchen secrets is always a tasty adventure. Now, the next time you see these curly green shoots, you’ll be ready to experiment and take advantage of this hidden gem.