If you’re new to growing garlic or just exploring the world of preserving your own food, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of garlic scapes—what they are, why you should harvest them, and how to preserve them in oil for a burst of garlicky goodness all year long.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
First things first: what exactly is a garlic scape? If you’re growing garlic, you may have noticed a curly, green stalk shooting up from the middle of your garlic plants in late spring to early summer. That’s the garlic scape! It’s the flower bud of the garlic plant, and if left unharvested, it will eventually bloom and produce seeds. However, for those of us who are more interested in the garlic bulb itself, the scapes are a delicious bonus.
The Garlic Growing Cycle
Garlic is a hardy plant that typically gets planted in the fall before the first frost. It spends the winter underground, and come spring, the green shoots begin to emerge. As the weather warms, the plant focuses its energy on producing a robust bulb.
Around late spring to early summer, the garlic plant will send up its scape. This is a sign that the garlic bulbs are beginning to mature. But here’s the thing: if you let the scape continue growing, the plant will divert its energy into flowering rather than producing a bulb. That’s why it’s important to snip those scapes off—doing so encourages the plant to focus on growing a big, flavorful bulb.
Why Preserve Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are a delightful treat with a garlicky flavour and a texture similar to green beans or asparagus. They’re incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from pesto to stir-fries. But fresh garlic scapes are only available for a short window of time each year, which is why preserving them in oil is such a fantastic option. By preserving them, you can enjoy their unique flavour long after the growing season has ended.
How to Preserve Garlic Scapes in Oil
Preserving fresh garlic scapes in oil is a simple process that will reward you with a delicious ingredient to use throughout the year. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Fresh garlic scapes (as many as you have on hand)
- Good quality olive oil
Instructions:
- Harvest and Prepare the Scapes: Begin by snipping the scapes from your garlic plants. You’ll want to cut them just above the leaves. Wash the scapes thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Trim and Cut: Cut the scapes into pieces about 1-2 inches long.
- Chop: Once your scapes are dry, and trimmed, you need to finely chop them. I prefer to use a food processor for this, but a knife or blender will work. If you are using a blender, don’t chop them too much. We want small pieces, not a paste.
- Add to tray: Take your chopped scapes and add them to an ice cube tray. You can really use any small-sized container for this. I like the ice cube tray because I am after pre-portioned garlic scapes. You want to fill the tray but not pack it tight. There needs to be room for the oil.
- Add the Oil: Pour enough olive oil into the ice cube tray to cover the garlic scapes.
- Store: Place tray in the freezer until the oil is solid. Remove the oil cubes from the tray and place in a freezer bag. Store the bag in the freezer and remove an oil/scape cube as needed.
How to Use Your Preserved Garlic Scapes
Now that you have your scapes preserved in oil, the possibilities are endless! Add them to pasta dishes, blend them into a pesto, or sauté them with vegetables. You can use the scape cubes anywhere you would use garlic. I usually say one cube is about one clove of garlic.
Preserving fresh garlic scapes in olive oil is a simple and rewarding way to make the most of your garlic harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, this method is a fantastic way to extend the life of your garden’s bounty. Plus, having a stash of these preserved scapes in your freezer is like keeping a little taste of summer on hand all year long.
Happy gardening and preserving, friends!
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