Garlic scapes, image by Lynn Carson Harris, via Flickr
Garlic is a new crop for me in my vegetable garden and it wasn’t until I spoke with my friend Barbara this weekend that I learned about garlic scapes. What are they?
Garlic scape flower, image by Chris Yao, via Flickr
Garlic scapes are the center stalk that shoots up from the center of the garlic plant (and leek and onion plants) as the plant matures. It eventually reaches a height that is taller than the leaves. If you leave the scape on the plant, it will curl and spiral upwards, and eventually flower. Anton removed the scapes last month before this weekend’s harvest.
Garlic scapes, image from Erin Brown-John via Flickr
Barbara tells me that when the scapes reach a height taller than the leaves and curl – before they flower – they should be cut so all of the energy of the plant can be channeled into increasing the garlic bulb size. Typically you cut the scapes as low as you can without cutting any of the leaves. This can be done 1 – 2 months before harvesting your garlic.
Beautiful scapes, image by Sudo Lecki via Flickr
Not all of your scapes will be ready to cut at the same time so you need to keep an eye on your garlic as your plants mature.
Garlic scape hummus, image by Chef Danielle Urner, via Flickr
Scapes are a culinary delicacy. You can eat the seeds as well as the stems, both of which taste like garlic. A quick search online will yield several yummy-sounding recipes for scapes, including pesto, pasta dishes, soup and scapes as a side vegetable dish.
