Garlic Scapes Only Come From Hardneck Varieties Of Garlic
What are those? A question I hear often when I have fresh garlic scapes out on the table at the farmers market
. So what are garlic scapes they are the soon to be flower or bulbil of a garlic plant. Why is it I havent seen them in the grocery stores? I dont run a grocery store so I couldnt tell you exactly but I can tell you that the garlic that is commercially produced and found in your local supermarket doesnt flower hence there isnt any scape to begin with. Garlic scapes only come from hardneck varieties of garlic. Hardneck varieties are not commercially produced and grow best in cold climates. They have a much richer taste and are a much grander view to look at. The garlic scapes are cut off in late spring or early summer so that the plant can put the energy into the bulb giving you a much larger bulb. If you dont remove the scape then the plant will put the energy into the scape or flower which can reach heights near seven feet tall. With the freshly cut scape it makes a wonderful delicacy the scape is tender and hot you will know it is garlic after one bite it also gives you that little bit of green taste just a perfect treat. I have no doubt that we will soon see these in the local super markets as garlic scapes gain increasing popularity. They will certainly have a very limited supply if you find some at your local markets be sure to try them. You can surprise your guest for diner with an excellent rare treat. What treat you may ask well that is totally up to you.
You can Google many recipes or make one up yourself some of my personal favorites are a simple stir-fry and a soup. I cut the scapes into 1-2 inch pieces and combine them with other veggies in an excellent stir-fry served over rice. It is very simple and gives a great garlic flavor. The soup I combine with potatoes and cream and then put in the blender it provides an easy quick meal with fantastic flavor. The Garlic scape is full of flavor and has similar if not the same properties of the bulb. Garlic scapes are also reasonably affordable because the farmers are removing them to put the energy into the bulb. And the scapes are a secondary profit for them they are generally just happy to see them go to good use.