What do you do with elephant garlic scapes?

Thanks to its whopping size, Elephant Garlic makes a dramatic centrepiece when roasted whole; separate the cloves after cooking and let diners squeeze out the garlic flesh themselves to enjoy the warm, unctuous paste within. Or try cutting the whole bulb into segments and bake in a hot oven, drizzled with olive oil.

Do you cut scapes on elephant garlic?

Elephant garlic will send up flower stalks, or scapes, just like regular garlic. These scapes draw energy from the plant that should be going toward bulking up the bulb. So cut the scapes back before they begin to curl or bloom.

Can you eat garlic scape buds?

The curly garlic scape tendril and the bud, the yellowish white bulge, are edible. Consume the entire scape, or you can discard the bud depending on your preference. Dice up garlic scapes with a sharp knife as you would chives.

Can you eat raw garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes can be used just like garlic in recipes. They are very versatile. Try them in a sauté, roasted, pickled, added to soups, and more. The most tender tops of the stem and the buds are delicious chopped up raw.

Do you cook garlic scapes?

You need to be cooking with garlic scapes. If left unharvested, the scapes eventually bloom flowers when the garlic plant fully matures. However, the scapes are usually harvested before they flower so the garlic plant can channel all its energy into producing the most flavorful bulbs.

Should I remove scapes from garlic?

Those pretty spiral stems that form above your garlic in June are edible. By removing them you’ll improve your garlic harvest! The stalk is thicker than the leaves and is called the garlic scape. The scape, if left on the plant, will form a flower and then seed (you can eat those tiny seeds!

Can I freeze garlic scapes?

Meanwhile, wash garlic scapes and cut them into about 4-inch (10 cm) pieces. Plunge scapes into boiling water and blanche for two minutes. Arrange scapes on a baking sheet and put in the freezer. Once scapes are frozen thoroughly, place them in a freezer bag and remove any extra air with a straw.

Should garlic scapes be removed?

Are garlic scapes good for you?

Health benefits: Scapes are high in antioxidants and could help reoxygenate blood and protect the liver. They also contain allium compounds, which are thought to help protect against osteoarthritis.

Should I refrigerate garlic scapes?

Storing Garlic Scapes Garlic scapes keep well in a plastic bag in the fridge for two to three weeks. They will keep for a few days (and will look beautiful) in a glass with a little cool water in it, on the counter in a cool room.

What’s the best way to cook elephant garlic?

Chop your elephant garlic bulb in half horizontally. Drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put the bulb back together, loosely enclose in foil and place in the preheated oven.

What’s the best way to cook scapes with garlic?

Use the scapes whole in a warm-weather-friendly braise. Mix chopped scapes with a stick of butter to make a garlicky compound butter for grilled or pan-fried fish. Regular garlic is pretty amazing too, especially when it comes to knots.

What kind of garlic is elephant scapes made of?

Garlic scapes, also known as garlic shoots, spears, and serpent garlic, typically only form on hardneck garlic varieties. The Scapes are made up of a flower stalk and umbel and occur when garlic is very close to maturity. Recipe Ideas Recipes that include Elephant Garlic Scapes. One is easiest, three is harder. In The Kitchen With Kelly

When is the best time to buy elephant garlic scapes?

Elephant garlic scapes are available in the late spring and early summer months.