What are garlic scapes?
Long, curly and deep green, garlic scapes are typically among the first produce found at spring farmers markets. They’re the tender stem and flower bud of a hardneck garlic plant. Hardneck garlic is the kind of garlic that typically grows in Iowa.
Harvesting the scape is important to the garlic plant to ensure that it isn’t trying to grow its stem and flower, leaving the bulb small and flavourless. By consuming them, you’re doing your part in the garlic growing cycle and reducing food waste!
They take on an even more garlicky taste than garlic sometimes, but offer a burst of fresh green flavor that you can’t get from the clove. We’ve listed a few recipes here for garlic scapes, but you can use it as a substitute for garlic in any recipe!
