Scapes are a curly, twisty stalk that the garlic plant produces sometime in mid-June here in Minnesota. If left unpicked, they eventually straighten into a stiff stalk often over four feet tall. Experts say they can reduce the size of the garlic bulb growing underground since some of the plant’s energy goes into the scape. So every year we pick them which is a wonderful thing since scapes taste so good. Here are a couple pictures:
Baking or grilling scapes as you would fresh asparagus or green beans is wonderful! Trim any wooden parts from the ‘bottom’ and any dry tips. Then drizzle with olive oil and some salt. Roast on the grill or in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. How long to cook depends a lot on personal preference so experiment.
Online you can easily find many excellent scape recipes and blogs singing the praise of this wonderful garlic product. Here are a few:
7 things to do with scapes from Serious Eats
Garlic Scape Carbonara
Rudy’s garlic scape pesto