Garlic scapes are the green, curling flower stalks that emerge from hardneck garlic varieties in late spring or early summer. If left on the plant, this stalk will eventually straighten and produce a flower, or bulbils. Removing the scape prevents the plant from using energy to develop this flower and seeds. This redirects the plant’s energy and resources into the underground bulb, encouraging it to swell. Cutting the scapes results in a larger, better-formed bulb at harvest time and provides an early-season culinary treat with a milder, delicate garlic flavor.
Identifying the Optimal Timing for Harvesting
The timing for removing the scape is directly tied to maximizing the size of the final garlic bulb. Scapes typically emerge about four to six weeks before the main bulb is ready for harvest. This early appearance provides a window for removal that benefits the underground crop.
The most reliable visual cue for the proper harvest time is the scape’s characteristic curl or spiral. Wait until the scape has grown tall and formed at least one full 360-degree loop or curl. This formation usually indicates the scape is tender enough for eating and that the plant has not yet fully committed its energy to the flower head.
It is important to harvest the scape before it begins to straighten out completely. Once the scape starts to uncurl, the plant has already spent a significant portion of its stored energy on the reproductive phase. Harvesting at the optimal curled stage can increase the final bulb size by a measurable amount. Because scapes do not all appear simultaneously, checking the plants daily for the tell-tale curl is recommended.
The Step-by-Step Cutting Technique
Using a clean, sharp cutting tool is necessary to ensure a quick and healthy removal of the scape without damaging the rest of the plant. Sharp pruning shears, scissors, or a knife should be sterilized to prevent the introduction of pathogens. A clean cut heals faster, which reduces the plant’s stress and the risk of disease.
The cut must remove the scape entirely while preserving the plant’s leaves, which are the energy-producing structures. Follow the scape down to where it emerges from the central stalk, just above the top leaf. The ideal location is about one to two inches above this highest leaf node.
Making the cut too far down risks damaging the main stalk or the surrounding foliage, which would negatively impact the bulb’s growth. The cut should be swift and clean, avoiding any tearing or crushing of the tissue. Once the scape is removed, the plant will naturally seal the small wound and redirect its focus to bulb development.
Post-Harvest Storage and Culinary Use
Garlic scapes are a versatile, seasonal ingredient with a flavor profile similar to garlic cloves but notably milder. They can be stored short-term in the refrigerator, where they maintain freshness for two to three weeks when wrapped in a damp paper towel or placed in a jar with a small amount of water. For long-term preservation, scapes can be chopped and frozen or pickled.
In the kitchen, the tender upper portion of the scape is most often used, while the tougher, woody bottom end is typically discarded. Scapes are a popular base for pesto, offering a unique, bright flavor. They can also be chopped and substituted for garlic or chives in recipes.
Scapes are prepared in many ways to soften their texture and enhance their flavor:
- Sautéing them in oil.
- Grilling them whole like asparagus.
- Adding them to stir-fries.
- Using them as an aromatic addition to omelets, soups, and roasted vegetable dishes.
The versatility of the scape allows the gardener to enjoy the plant’s production long before the underground bulb is ready to be harvested.