How to Preserve Garlic Scapes

If you grow garlic, you may be wondering what to do with the garlic scapes. Here’s a quick and easy guide on how to preserve garlic scapes so you can enjoy them all year long!

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What are garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes are the long, thin, curling stems that grow out of the tops of hardneck garlic plants. They are also sometimes called garlic sprouts or garlic tops. Many people think that garlic scapes are just a waste product, but they are actually a culinary delight. Scapes can be used in many different dishes, from soups and stews to pesto and stir-fry. Scapes have a milder flavor than traditional garlic cloves so they can be used in dishes where you want the flavor of garlic without the harshness.

Why preserve garlic scapes?

There are many reasons to preserve garlic scapes. For one, they add a delicious flavor to many dishes. They can also be used as a natural insect repellent, and they have many medicinal properties. By preserving them, you can enjoy garlic scapes all year round.

How to preserve garlic scapes – method 1 (pickling)

If you grow garlic, or know someone who does, you may be familiar with garlic scapes. These are the long, thin, curly tops of hard-neck garlic plants that appear in late spring or early summer. Because they are the flower stalks of the plant, they are removed so that the plant will put its energy into producing bulbs of garlic. But don’t throw them out – garlic scapes are actually a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in all sorts of recipes!

If you’ve never cooked with garlic scapes before, pickling them is a great way to start. Pickled garlic scapes have a milder flavor than raw or cooked scapes, and they can be used in all sorts of dishes – from salads to pizza toppings. Here’s how to pickle garlic scapes:

1. Trim the ends off of the garlic scapes and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
2. Pack the garlic scapes into a clean glass jar.
3. In a small saucepan, heat vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Pour this mixture over the garlic scapes in the jar.
4. Screw on the lid of the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using. The pickled garlic scapes will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

How to preserve garlic scapes – method 2 (freezing)

If you have too many garlic scapes and don’t want them to go to waste, you can preserve them by freezing them. This is a good way to preserve their flavor and texture.

To freeze garlic scapes, wash them and cut them into small pieces. Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once they are frozen, you can put them in a freezer bag or container.

When you are ready to use the frozen garlic scapes, take out as many as you need and thaw them in the fridge or cook them directly from frozen.

How to use preserved garlic scapes

Garlic scapes are the green, curly tops of garlic plants. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a milder garlic flavor than the cloves. Preserving garlic scapes is a great way to extend the garlic season and enjoy them year-round.

There are several ways to preserve garlic scapes. You can pickle them, freeze them, or dry them.

Pickling garlic scapes is simple. Just clean and trim the scapes, and then pack them into jars. Cover the scapes with a brine (water, vinegar, and salt), and then seal and refrigerate the jars. Preserved garlic scapes will keep for several months in the refrigerator.

To freeze garlic scapes, clean and trim the Scapes, and then blanch them in boiling water for two minutes. Cool the blanched scapses in ice water, and then drain them thoroughly. Place the scapes in freezer bags, and label with the date. Frozen garlic scapses will keep for up to a year.

To dry garlic scopes, clean and trim the Scopes, and then place them on a dehydrator tray. Dry at 135 degrees Fahrenheit until crisp (about 12 hours). Store dried garlic scopes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dried garlic Scopes will keep for several months.

Recipes using preserved garlic scapes

Looking for ways to use your preserved garlic scapes? Check out these recipes!

-Scape Pesto: Combine scapes, Olive Oil Parmesan cheese, and salt in a food processor and blend until smooth. Use on pasta, pizzas, or as a dip.
-Scape Aioli: Mix scapes, mayonnaise, lemon juice and garlic in a blender or food processor until smooth. Use as a sandwich spread or dip.
-Pickled Scapes: Combine scapes, vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from heat and let cool. Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for preserving garlic scapes

Garlic scapes are the slender green stalks that grow from garlic plants. They are edible and have a similar, but milder taste to garlic cloves. You can preserve garlic scapes by pickling them, freezing them, or drying them.

Pickling garlic scapes is a great way to preserve their flavor and use them later in dishes like salads or sandwiches. To pickle garlic scapes, start by cutting them into small pieces and boiling them in vinegar and water for about 5 minutes. Then, add your favorite spices (we like to use dill, peppercorns, and mustard seed) and boiling for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

If you’d prefer to freeze your garlic scapes, start by blanching them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This will help preserve their color and texture. Then, place the blanched scapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer the garlic scapes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 6 months.

To dry garlic scapes, start by hanging them in a dark, dry place like a closet or pantry using string or a clothesline. Allow the scapes to hang until they are completely dried out (this could take up to 2 weeks). Once dried, you can store your garlic scopes in an Airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 year.

Troubleshooting when preserving garlic scapes

Cooking garlic scapes can be tricky. If you overcook them, they’ll turn mushy. If you undercook them, they’ll be tough and chewy. The key to getting them just right is to blanch them quickly in boiling water, then shock them in an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and help preserve their bright green color.

Once your garlic scapes are cooked, you can preserve them in a number of ways.pickling is a great option if you want to add some extra flavor to your scapes. You can also dehydrate them, which is a great way to store them for long-term use.

FAQs about preserving garlic scapes

Q: How long do garlic scapes last?
A: If stored properly, garlic scapes can last for several months.

Q: What is the best way to store garlic scapes?
A: The best way to store garlic scapes is to place them in a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze garlic scapes?
A: Yes, you can freeze garlic scapes. First, blanch the scapes in boiling water for two minutes. Then, plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Next, dry the scapes and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Further reading on preserving garlic scapes

If you want to learn more about preserving garlic scapes, the following resources may be helpful:

-The National Center for Home food preservation offers advice on canning, freezing, and drying garlic scapes.
-The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has information on pickling garlic scapes.
-Ball Canning shares a recipe for garlic dill pickles that includes garlic scapes.