Garlic. In dressings. In marinades. On grilled bread. On salads. Pretty much, if garlic is the main flavor, I’m in. And no other place in the Spring do I love this flavor profile more than in beautiful, seasonal, Garlic Scapes. Get ’em while you can and make sure the one you love has them, too!
I am obsessed. Obsessed with the bounty of seasonal produce at all of the great farmers markets all over the country. While you see the same produce popping up in various stalls, some just call out your name louder than others. For me, right now I’m all about the items that have short seasons. Why? I feel like it’s a treasure hunt to find those things that you can only get a limited time each year. The produce that is fleeting on the various rainbow-colored tables. The things that producers sell out of if you’re not quick, and not keeping your eyes peeled. One of those particular, special items popped up recently–Scapes. I had to grab them up and have some fun with them before they were gone!
Wait. You’re not familiar with Scapes? Don’t feel bad. My husband had no idea what they were, and my mother said she’d never heard of them. Many people wouldn’t know a Scape from a weed. But don’t worry–I’m here to edu-ca-mate you about these flavorful and versatile stalks.
While I am NOT a gardener by any stretch of the imagination (I leave that to the pros), I like learning about all of the various ways that familiar vegetables and fruits can produce off-shoots (pun intended) that are just as edible and just as tasty. The garlic bulb is one of those items that has life beyond just the cloves themselves.
According to most references out there, Scapes are the flower stalks that grow out of garlic bulbs. If allowed to flower, they will apparently push the bulbs past the state of further production. Now that right there is a travesty, because who doesn’t always want MORE garlic?? But if snipped before flowering, these stalks–or Scapes–can be eaten and used in just about any way you can use chives or green onions. Cool, huh?
In this case, I was gushing with excitement when I saw these beautiful, green stalks on the produce table of Ottmers Family Farm. This vendor always has an irresistible selection of veggies, and they are so patient when talking to customers (like me!) about how to best bring out the natural flavors of their produce.
When I got these beauties home, I knew that there were two things I wanted to do with them–grill them, and make a salad dressing with them. I was amazed at how simple these were to prepare, and how delicate and delicious they were with our dinner. If you are lucky enough to come across these fresh and pretty stalks, grab them up immediately. You will be so glad you were introduced to this versatile and wonderful produce!
Now I just need to get more Garlic Scapes before they’re gone for the rest of the year!
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 4 people | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 10 minutes |
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As I mentioned above, the flavor of garlic scapes is kind of like a cross between chives and green onions. They're more delicate, but still bring that garlic-y infusion of flavor to anything you use them with. Grill them, saute them, blend them--but use them before they disappear and you find yourself pining away for these garlic scapes to come back again next Spring!
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- 1 large bunch garlic scapes
- 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- Wash and dry the scapes. Cut off the woody ends of each stalk, similarly to how you might snap off the ends of an asparagus stalk.
- Place them on a large piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil, and then toss with salt & pepper.
- Heat grill to medium high heat. Place foil with scapes directly onto grill grates. Grill for approximately 10 minutes, or until the scapes are slightly wilted but still have a little snap to each stalk.
- Serve immediately as a side, or chop and toss with your favorite pasta or salad dish.
OMG garlic scapes are the BEST! Love this!
I love experimenting with new vegetables! Getting to know a new favorite is one of the best parts of home cooking!
Scapes are new to me, but anything that comes from garlic has an automatic green light in my book 😀 Can’t wait to try this!