Garlic scapes are the flower stalks of garlic. Scapes grow in a curled fashion and have a little flower part at the tip. If you are growing garlic, remove the scapes for best bulb formation. If you are not growing garlic yourself, you may find these seasonal treasures at a local Farmer’s Markets or from a local CSA share. Garlic scapes have a texture similar to asparagus and taste like garlic, but less intense. Take a little culinary adventure this month and try garlic scapes with any of these quick and easy preparations:
Chop the scapes into little coins and stir them into any recipe that calls for garlic like vinaigrettes, dips or stir fries.
Brush whole scapes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and grill them whole until tender, about 5-10 minutes.
Chop a half pound of scapes into 2 inch segments. Stir fry in vegetable oil until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and continue to cook until soy sauce is almost evaporated. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Stir until thoroughly coated and serve.
