Garlic Scapes FAQs
Garlic Scapes FAQs
Garlic scapes are generally 12 to 18 inches long with a quarter-inch diameter. Garlic scapes taste like a blend of onion, scallion and garlic.
Garlic scapes offer less of the fiery garlic taste and have a fresher, “greener” taste. The texture is similar to that of asparagus. They are delicious and add a certain something to any meal.
What Are Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are the stem and flower bud of a hardneck garlic plant (Allium sativum). Scapes grow from the garlic bulb then coil and look like long, curly green beans.
What Color Are Garlic Scapes
Curling garlic scape tendrils are green with a yellowish white bulge, the unopened flower of the plant, in the middle.
How To Tell If Garlic Scapes Are Ripe
Garlic scapes are harvested and ready to eat immediately. Enjoy!
How To Prepare Garlic Scapes
The curly garlic scape tendril and the bud, the yellowish white bulge, are edible. Consume the entire scape, or you can discard the bud depending on your preference. Dice up garlic scapes with a sharp knife as you would chives. In order to chop garlic scapes safely, hold garlic scapes in a bunch and place on a clean cutting board. With a sharp knife chop garlic scapes to desired size.
Are Garlic Scape Buds Edible
The curly garlic scape tendril and the bud, the yellowish white bulge, are edible. Consume the entire scape, or you can discard the bud depending on your preference.
Where Do Garlic Scapes Grow
Garlic is originally native to Central Asia and Iran. Nowadays, you can find them in garlic growing in gardens all over the world! In terms of commercial garlic farms, the world's top producers of garlic are China, India, South Korea, Egypt, and Russia. The majority of U.S. garlic cloves are grown in California, followed by Oregon and Nevada.
What Is The Nutrition Of Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are a good source of protein, vitamin C, and calcium and, like garlic cloves, can help to prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer. They can also provide immune system support and reduce inflammation.
One cup of raw, uncooked garlic scapes (136g) contains:
- Calories: 203
- Total Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Calcium: 250mg
- Iron: 1mg
When Are Garlic Scapes In Season
Garlic scapes are seasonally available from the end of May to early July.
What Do Garlic Scapes Go In
Garlic scapes can be used in anything you would normally eat with garlic, chives or scallions.
What Do Garlic Scapes Taste Like
Garlic scapes taste like a milder and earthier form of garlic. Think of it like a cross between garlic and chives.
Ways To Eat Garlic Scapes
Substitute garlic scapes in most recipes that call for garlic, scallions, or chives. Garlic scapes can be sautéed, braised, roasted, and grilled. Garlic scapes can also be pickled and fermented.
Ways To Drink Garlic Scapes
To make delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, use your garlic scapes to make a shrub, then add it to your drinks.
How To Store Garlic Scapes
To store garlic scapes, bundle them together with a rubber band and store in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Garlic scapes can also be chopped, placed in a freezer-safe bag and stored frozen for up to one year.
Garlic scapes can also be pickled and fermented to keep long periods of time.
If you plan on eating them within 1-2 days, make a bouquet of garlic scapes in a vase of fresh water. Leave on your counter at room temperature and change water daily.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic Scapes
Garlic belongs to the Allium family, which also includes onion, chives, and leeks, and is incredibly poisonous to dogs.
Your FruitStand fam encourages you to clear the safety of any new fruits or veggies with your veterinarian before offering them your pooch.
Do Garlic Scapes Stain
Raw garlic scapes themselves may not stain but once cooked, if dropped on the floor, clothing or furniture, they, along with the other food ingredients, may stain. Even though they are light colored, if it comes in contact with light colored fabrics it can leave a brownish stain. They may leave a strong garlic scent on items.
Fruit Geek 101: Keep a portable stain stick on hand for impromptu fruit feasts. Quickly treating a fruit juice spot greatly increases your chances of avoiding a stain.
How To Get Garlic Scapes Out Of Clothing
Here’s how to get the smell of garlic out of your clothing:
- Fill your washing machine only with clothes that smell of garlic
- Add laundry detergent according to instructions on container
- Sprinkle in ½ cup of baking soda
- Monitor the washing machine and lift the lid after it has refilled with water for a final rinse
- Add additional ½ cup of baking soda
- Let clothing sit and soak for 10 to 15 minutes
- Close the lid and allow the rinse cycle to finish as normal
Garlic Scapes Vs Ramps (Wild Leeks)
Ramps also called wild leeks can sometimes be confused with garlic scapes, since they also tend to be available in early spring. However, ramps are their own plant (unlike scapes, which grow from a garlic plant).
How To Get Bad Smells From Garlic Scapes Out Of Your House
Here are some tried and true ways to clear the heavenly scent of garlic from a room:
- Baking soda: Pour about 1/4 cup (32 g) of baking soda into a bowl. Place the bowl on a counter in the garlic-scented room and leave it for 2–3 days.
- Vinegar: Select a bowl from your cabinet and fill it with 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar. Leave uncovered overnight in the garlic-filled room.
- Coffee grounds: Fill a bowl with 1/2 cup (64 g) of fresh coffee grounds and leave it out overnight.