Harvesting garlic scapes is a lot easier than you might think. With a little bit of know-how, you can have a bountiful harvest of these tasty, versatile veggies. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your garlic scape harvest.
How To Harvest Garlic Scapes
If you’re not familiar with garlic scapes, they are the long, thin, curly shoots that grow out of the top of garlic plants. They are usually cut off so that the plant can put all its energy into growing the bulbs, but they are perfectly edible (and delicious)!
If you’ve never cooked with garlic scapes before, you’re in for a treat. They have a milder garlic flavor than cloves, and they can be used in all sorts of recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Throw them in a stir-fry
- Use them as a substitute for green onions in any recipe
- Chop them up and add them to soups or stews
- Make a pesto out of them (this is my personal favorite way to eat them!)
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Cut the garlic scapes off at the base of the plant using a sharp knife.
2. Rinse the scapes well to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Cut the scapes into 1-2 inch pieces.
4. Place the scapes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
Garlic scapes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. They can be used in place of garlic cloves in recipes or eaten on their own as a tasty side dish. Give them a try today and see for yourself how delicious they are!
Benefits of Harvesting Garlic Scapes
When most people think of garlic, they think of the bulbs. But garlic also has a stalk, called a “scape,” that grows from the bulb. And while you can’t eat the bulb of garlic scapes, you can eat the stalk.
Garlic scapes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They’re also low in calories and fat.
If you’re looking for a way to add more garlic to your diet, consider harvesting garlic scapes. Here are some of the benefits of doing so:
They Taste Great
Garlic scapes have a milder flavor than garlic cloves. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta and pizza to soup and stir-fry.
Easy To Harvest
Unlike garlic bulbs, which need to be dug up, garlic scapes can be easily harvested with a pair of scissors.
Last Longer
Garlic scapes can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a month. This makes them a great option for preserving garlic flavor for later use.
Nutritious
As mentioned earlier, garlic scapes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They can also help boost your immune system.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Some studies have shown that garlic scapes can help reduce inflammation. This is beneficial for those who suffer from conditions like arthritis and asthma.
If you’re looking for a way to add more garlic to your diet, consider harvesting garlic scapes. They’re easy to grow and harvest, and they offer a variety of benefits.
Conclusion
Harvesting garlic scapes is key to getting the best garlic flavor. By removing the scapes, the garlic plants are able to put all of their energy into the bulbs, resulting in bigger and better-tasting garlic. So get out there and start harvesting those scapes!
