Boost Your Garlic Harvest: Essential Garlic Scape Tips

Did you know that if you're growing hardneck garlic, you have a bonus vegetable that is not only delicious but also contributes to bigger garlic bulbs? That's right—I'm talking about the whimsical garlic scape.

In this post, I'll guide you through the process of harvesting these delightful vegetables to maximize your garlic yield and culinary possibilities.

What Are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are the curly, green shoots that grow from the tops of hardneck garlic varieties. They are edible, flavorful, and, if harvested, can make your garlic bulbs 20 to 30 percent bigger. Only hardneck garlic and elephant garlic varieties produce these scapes, making them a unique addition to gardens in colder climates.

Identifying Garlic Scapes

Scapes are easy to identify: they form a whimsical circle and emerge from the top of the garlic plant. At the tip, they develop a flower bud. If you allow this to grow, it would eventually bloom into a garlic flower. However, for the sake of your garlic bulbs, it's best to harvest the scapes before they flower.

How to Harvest Garlic Scapes

Harvesting garlic scapes is simple and doesn't require specialized tools. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. **Equipment**: Grab a pair of garden clippers or a sharp knife.

2. **Locate the Scape**: Find where the scape starts growing out of the garlic plant.

3. **Clip the Scape**: Cut the scape close to its base. If you don't have clippers, don't worry—the scapes can also be snapped off by hand.

The Benefits of Harvesting Scapes

By removing the scapes, you direct the plant's energy towards the growing garlic bulb, making it larger by 20 to 30 percent. The ideal time to harvest is when the scapes are young and tender, which is when they are most flavorful.

Culinary Uses for Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are a few ways you can use them:

- **As a Garlic Substitute**: Scapes have a milder garlic flavor, perfect for adding a subtle hint to your dishes.

- **Sautéed or Stir-Fried**: They can be chopped and sautéed, adding a touch of asparagus/green bean-like flavor to your meals.

- **Dehydrated for Seasoning**: Dehydrate and grind them into a powder for a fresh-tasting seasoning during winter months.

- **Pesto**: Blend them into a unique and delicious pesto.

- **Pickling**: Preserve their flavor and enjoy them year-round.

I encourage you to give garlic scapes a try in your cooking. Not only will they enhance your dishes, but they'll also boost the size of your garlic bulbs. If you have favorite recipes using scapes, please share them in the comments.

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Happy harvesting!

Let's embark on this garlic scape journey together. Enjoy the process and flavors!

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