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    Home » Farm To Table » How to Store Garlic Scapes (Plus 16 Free Recipes)

    How to Store Garlic Scapes (Plus 16 Free Recipes)

    Posted on June 15, 2021 By Beth Neels

    63 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Storing Garlic Scapes Pinterest Pin with text overlay
    Storing Garlic Scapes Pinterest Pin with text overlay
    Storing Garlic Scapes Pinterest Pin with text overlay

    Learn how to store garlic scapes fresh, freeze them, where to source them and find lots of great recipes to use them too.

    Vinaigrette in a pint canning jar with fresh garlic scapes around it.

    Garlic scapes have such a short season that it is nice to be able to preserve them when they emerge to be able to use them throughout the year.

    We love garlic scapes around here but their season is incredibly short. Just a few weeks in the summer can they be found in your garden or at the farmers market.

    Why not preserve them so that they can be enjoyed all year long until that two week period they are available next year? They are incredibly easy to preserve by a number of different techniques.

    Stayed tuned at the end of the article for lots of recipes that you can use these garlic scapes in.

    What the heck are garlic scapes?

    Garlic scapes are the flower bud and the stalk or stem of bud (botanically known as the peduncle) of hardneck garlic plants. 

    Since the portion of the garlic that we are seeking when we grow them is the garlic bulb, the flowers are removed. This way the plant doesn’t put it’s energy into seed production (from the flower) but instead, concentrates energy on the bulb itself.

    The mild garlic flavor that scapes have is perfect for adding to so many dishes.

    Bamboo tray with garlic scapes.

    When to plant garlic

    Garlic is generally planted in the fall when temperatures begin to cool. September or October (zones 5-7) is perfect.

    In zones 1-4 plant bulbs in late October or November.

    To grow garlic in zones 8-9 the bulbs need to be stored in the refrigerator for at least 8 weeks (a process called vernalization). Then the bulbs can be planted in November or December.

    The bulb will grow throughout the winter and spring. The scapes usually appear about 6 weeks before the bulb is ready to harvest.

    Planting garlic bulbs in garden.

    When to harvest the scapes

    This flower from the garlic is produced mid June to mid July in the northern regions. As soon as you the scapes first curl, cut or break them off.

    How to store garlic scapes

    Refrigeration

    Garlic scapes refrigerate well. They will last a minimum of 4 weeks refrigerated so save a bunch of them out for immediate use. If the tips of either end dries out or becomes discolored, cut it off with a sharp knife.

    • Store them unwashed in a plastic bag, whole.
    • Add a damp piece of paper towel to bag. Store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
    Garlic scapes in plastic storage bag. A damp piece of paper towel to help retain moisture.

    An alternative would be to make a fresh cut on the cut end of the scape. Place the scapes in a jar of water and then place the jar in the refrigerator. Change the water daily. I find that the tips of the buds dry out with this method though. This method will only preserve them for about 2 weeks.

    Freezing

    The best way to preserve them for long term storage is to freeze them. They freeze well in many forms. Make sure that the garlic scapes are clean and any debris and dirt is removed.

    Freeze them raw. Wash and dry the scapes. Process them in the food processor (or chop by hand) until they are fine chunks. Add to freezer bags. Flatten bags with hands or a rolling pin. Store flat in the freezer for about one year. Remove a chunk of frozen garlic any time you want to use them in a recipe.

    Raw garlic in freezer bag ready for freezing.

    Freeze them in the form of pesto. Just make the garlic scape pesto. Place in bags and flatten and freeze as the raw scapes above. You can also freeze them in cupcake tins. Spray tin first with no stick spray to make them easier to remove, then push pesto in the cups to fill holes.

    Pesto in plastic bag and in cupcake tin ready for freezing.

    Freeze them into compound butter. Make garlic scape butter and freeze as described in the raw and pesto above. Use this to flavor grilled meats or on biscuits or rolls.

    Bag of garlic scape butter with rolling pin.

    Preserving

    Make pickled garlic scapes with vinegar, salt and spices which will last at least a year. Great on charcuterie boards or grazing platters. Top a burger. Just eat them as you would a pickle. They are garlicky perfection.

    Or try this relish. Yum. This is on my list of must dos.

    Pickled Garlic Scapes
    Pickled Garlic Scapes are so easy! They can be canned in waterbath or just cold pack can them! So no messing with the canning pot and the heat in the kitchen! They are great on sandwiches, burgers and salads or use them on your next charcuterie board!

    Make This
    Pickled garlic scapes in a canning jar.
    Fermented Garlic Scapes
    Fermented garlic scapes are a quick, healthy, and easy way to preserve this fleeting, delicious crop.
    Make This
    Fermented scapes in canning jar.
    Dill-icious Garlic Scape Relish
    Garlic Scape Relish is made with fresh early summer garden grown garlic scapes. With just the right amount of vinegar and a touch of dill, it’s perfect on hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and mixed into macaroni salad.
    Make This
    garlic scape relish in jar with spoon scooping some out.

    Where to find them

    If you aren’t growing garlic in your garden then you can occasionally find them at farmer’s markets, farm stands and at your local Asian food suppliers. Look for them from March to the beginning of July, depending on where you live.

    Recipes for fresh garlic scapes

    There are lots of delicious ways to enjoy fresh scapes too. Here is a great list of original recipes for your enjoyment.

    Use them in a stir fry, fried rice, stews, to compliment pasta, or add to homemade hummus

    Grilling and frying

    Grilling them yields a texture similar to grilled asparagus. They get crispy on the outside and are soft and tender on the inside. Serve as a side with your main dish.

    Stir Fried Garlic Scapes
    Try this simple recipe for stir fried garlic scapes! These are thin, curly, green stems that grow from garlic bulbs and taste delicious sauteed with a sweet & savory Asian sauce!
    Make This
    Stir fried garlic scapes in white bowl.
    Grilled Garlic Steaks
    Curly garlic scapes are a staple of summer farmer’s markets. This simple recipe for grilled garlic scapes is a quick way to enjoy this unusual vegetable. You can throw these on the grill and have mildly garlic spears to serve with your grilled dinner in just 10 minutes.
    Make This
    Garlic Scapes – Air fried, Grilled and Roasted
    It’s Garlic Scapes Season (also called Garlic Spears) here in the Northwest! My favorite time of year! Even my youngest son gets excited. I brought home 3 bunches today! They are available only a few weeks out of the year.
    Make This
    Charred Garlic Scapes with Parsley Butter
    Perfectly charred garlic scapes smothered in homemade parsley butter make a delicious summer side dish! If you’re new to cooking with scapes, this simple recipe makes it easy to experiment with them.
    Make This
    Charred garlic scapes on white plate.

    Sauces and Condiments

    Garlic Scape Herb Compound Butter
    This Garlic Scape Herb Compound Butter is easy with a beautifully mild garlic flavor!
    Make This
    Slices of garlic scape butter with curly garlic scapes.
    Garlic Scape Pesto
    Easy, healthy topping for pastas, veges and bruschetta. Made fresh at home!
    Make This
    Overhead photo of pesto with almonds and scapes.
    Garlic Scape Pesto with Chard
    Garlic Scape Pesto with Chard is a delicious combination of ingredients, without the too-garlicky flavor that garlic scape pesto can sometimes have!
    Make This

    Breakfast/ Brunch

    Summer Quiche with Garlic Scapes and Ham
    This summer quiche recipe is perfect for the lazy days of summer. If you’re looking for a clean quiche recipe, try this one today.
    Make This
    Whole quiche with garlic scapes on the side.
    Spinach Frittata with Garlic Scapes
    This Spinach Frittata with garlic scapes is a tasty vegetable frittata that works well for breakfast, brunch or dinner. The addition of garlic scapes adds a subtle garlic flavor to the recipe.
    Make This
    Close up of garlic scape frittata.

    Main Dishes

    Garlic Scape, Lemon Grilled Chicken Tenders
    This Garlic Scape, Lemon Grilled Chicken Tenders can be on the table in 15 minutes!! 
    Make This
    Grilled chicken tenders piled on plate with grilled garlic scapes.
    Pork Chops with Garlic Scapes and Peaches
    This recipe for marinated Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Scapes and Brown Butter & Rosemary Peaches is amazing! It tastes like springtime on a plate, with so many bold and bright flavors. As a bonus, this dish is Whole30, Paleo, and Gluten Free!
    Make This
    Plate of pork chops with garlic scapes and peaches.
    Beer Steamed Mussels with Garlic Scapes
    These beer steamed mussels tossed with garlic scapes and lemon make a great appetizer or light meal, and are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Enjoy them at home on the deck, gathered around a campfire, or cooked up right at the beach!
    Make This
    Steamed mussels in a white bowl.

    Soups

    Potato Garlic Scape Soup
    This is the BEST ever garlic scape soup! It’s incredibly fresh and loaded with flavor, but only has a handful of simple ingredients. If you’re not cooking with garlic scapes yet, it’s time to give them a try in this vegetarian soup!
    Make This

    Hopefully this article has given you some ideas on how to store garlic scapes. Get some today and use this short-lived addition to your summer recipes. If you are a garlic fan, you’ll love them

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    If you have any questions or comments, please ask in comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!

    I hope you enjoyed the recipe today!

    Enjoy. And have fun cooking!

    Binky's signature
    Fresh garlic scapes in bamboo basket.

    How to Store Garlic Scapes

    Bag of garlic scape butter with rolling pin.
    See Step by Step Photos Above!Most of our recipes have step by step photos and videos! Also helpful tips so that you can make it perfectly the first time and every time! Scroll up to see them!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 7 minutes
    Servings: 2 cups
    Author: Beth Neels
    Cost: $3

    Ingredients

    • 1 bunch garlic scapes

    Instructions

    Refrigeration

    • Store fresh, unwashed garlic scapes in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for 2-4 weeks.
      1 bunch garlic scapes

    Freezing

    • Process the scapes in the food processor until fine. Place in plastic freezer bags. Flatten bag out with your hand or with a rolling pin. Freeze flat.
    • Scapes can also sliced the by hand and frozen.
    • Break of a chunk any time you need some to add to your favorite recipes.

    Canning

    • Pickle garlic scapes as explained in this article. Use them for charcuterie or grazing platters, Eat them as you would a regular pickle.
    Food Processor
    For freezing; freezer bags
    See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!

    Notes

    There are many ways to use garlic scapes fresh, as well. See article for recipes.
    Use fresh scapes for best flavor. 
    Freezing whole garlic scapes produces a mushy texture. If you choose to freeze them whole, use them in a recipe that the texture is not an issue.
    Frozen garlic scapes in any form are best within 6 months but will last a year in the form of pesto and butter, if they are packed with all of the air removed from the bag.
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    « Garlic Scape Pesto & 12 ways to use it!
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    63 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. laurent guay

      June 16, 2022 at 4:38 pm

      a big thanks, we have lots of them, and now we can store them in the freezer, a good comment on how to store them ,, thanks ,

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 16, 2022 at 5:01 pm

        You’re welcome Laurent. I’m glad you found the article useful!

        Reply
    2. Kalyn Denny

      June 17, 2021 at 3:42 pm

      5 stars
      Great post! Thanks for sharing my Garlic Scape and Chard Pesto!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 17, 2021 at 3:51 pm

        I adore the color of your pesto. Plain garlic scape pesto is a funky color. Thanks for submitting the recipe Kalyn.

        Reply
    3. Gina

      June 15, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      Love the tip to freeze them, such a great idea. They’re everywhere at the farmer’s market right now and now I can buy a bunch!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 15, 2021 at 1:48 pm

        It makes it great. You don’t have to use them all right away. Thanks for checking out the article Gina!

        Reply
      • Jamie

        June 15, 2021 at 2:42 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks for including my recipe! I love all the helpful tips here too!

        Reply
        • Beth Neels

          June 15, 2021 at 3:07 pm

          I love stir fried scapes look awesome. Definitely on my short list of recipes to try!

          Reply
    4. Pam

      June 15, 2021 at 1:45 pm

      5 stars
      What a great idea! I would have never thought of this. Guess what? I’ve actually used garlic scapes in floral arrangements too. They are so graceful looking!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 15, 2021 at 1:48 pm

        Oh, how fun! I have never thought of that. Thanks for checking out the article Pam!

        Reply
    5. Tara

      June 15, 2021 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      Such great tips for working with garlic scapes! The recipes sound amazing too! I especially love the garlic scape butter.

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 15, 2021 at 1:49 pm

        We adore the butter. I slather it on just about everything! Thanks Tara!

        Reply
    6. veenaazmanov

      June 15, 2021 at 1:35 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks . Very informative and essential for my kitchen.

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 15, 2021 at 1:49 pm

        Thank you Veena. I’m glad it is useful for you.

        Reply
    7. Anjali

      June 15, 2021 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      I didn’t even know that garlic scrapes were a thing!! Can’t wait to pick them up and try your tips for storing and using them!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        June 15, 2021 at 1:09 pm

        If you like garlic, you will love them. Thanks for checking out the article Anjali!

        Reply

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