Garlic scapes are taking the culinary world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. With searches for ‘garlic scape recipes’ and ‘garlic scapes’ soaring by 1,500% month-on-month on Pinterest Trends, these vibrant green shoots have become the latest sensation. But what exactly are garlic scapes, and how can you cook with them? Let’s dive in and explore this delicious seasonal treat.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the curly, green shoots that sprout from the garlic bulb. Traditionally discarded, these flavourful scapes are now celebrated for their unique taste and culinary versatility. Available in Canada during late spring and early summer, you can often find them at farmers’ markets.
The Rise of Garlic Scapes
As the interest in sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients continues to grow, garlic scapes offer a fantastic opportunity to utilize every part of the garlic plant, minimizing food waste. Searches for ‘how to cook scapes’ and ‘garlic scapes how to cook’ surged by a staggering 5,000% on Google Trends in the past 30 days in Canada. Leading meal-box company, Chefs Plate, provides expert advice on making the most of garlic scapes, highlighting their versatility and deliciousness in various dishes.
Preparing Garlic Scapes
1. Wash: Gently wash the scapes and pat them dry.
2. Trim: Trim off the dry ends and the thick stalky bits at the base.
3. Chop: Leave them whole or chop them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your recipe.
Cooking Methods
Garlic scapes can be prepared in several ways, each achieving a delicious result of tender-crisp scapes with a garlicky flavour. Here are a few methods to try:
Sautéing:
1. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the scapes and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender-crisp.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright flavour.
Grilling:
1. Brush the scapes with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper.
2. Grill over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
Parboiling:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the scapes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Drain and proceed with your chosen cooking method, like sautéing or stir-frying.
Delicious Ideas for Garlic Scapes
Here are some tasty ways to enjoy garlic scapes:
1. Garlic Scape Pesto: Blend garlic scapes with olive oil, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice for a vibrant pesto.
2. Stir-Fries: Add chopped garlic scapes to your favourite stir-fry recipes for an extra punch of flavour.
3. Omelettes: Sauté garlic scapes and add them to your morning omelette for a garlicky twist.
4. Salads: Grill garlic scapes and toss them into salads for a smoky, garlicky addition.
5. Pizza Topping: Use grilled or sautéed garlic scapes as a unique topping for homemade pizza.
Garlic scapes are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can elevate your cooking. Whether you’re sautéing, grilling, or adding them to your favourite dishes, garlic scapes are sure to impress. Give them a try and join the culinary trend that’s taking the internet by storm!
