It's Scape Season

Raise your hand if you know what a garlic scape is?!

If you don't, then your not alone. I had no idea what scapes were until I started growing and researching more about garlic. So let me fill you in!

With garlic, you get a perfectly seasonal two for one deal! In late spring/early summer the scapes are ready to trim and then the garlic bulb will be ready for harvest in August.

If you frequent farmers markets, you will start to see this seasonal delicacy arrive for a short time. Scapes resemble a wild onion or scallions and can have the crunchy texture of asparagus. They grow straight out of the garlic bulb and as the plant matures the stalk becomes thick and starts to curl. There is a bulge near the end of the stalk which is the unopened flower of the plant. This part is also edible but some choose to cut it off and just eat the green stalk. Up to you!

Cutting off the scapes is an essential part of garlic farming as we want our bulbs to reach their full potential. Like many garden vegetables we want the energy to be put back into the plant so we can get a bigger and more bountiful harvest.

Now the real question:

"What do they taste like and how do I use them?"

You still get that delicious garlicky flavour, only more subtle and they can be used in a variety of ways. Think stirfrys, salads, as a garnish or even a tasty pesto (stay tuned for our version!) Check out this article from bon appetit

outlining 12 different ways to incoporate scapes into your dishes.

PS - It's also best to store them in the fridge. They can last 2 - 3 weeks if your not devouring them too quickly!

Send us a message if your interested in trying some scapes or pick some at your local market and make them the next addition to your summer BBQ's!

---

Jessica Grant