Garlic Scapes – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes are the stems of the hardneck garlic plant and have buds on their ends. These seasonal vegetables are long, curly green stalks that resemble green beans and are often sold in bunches. In terms of flavor profile, garlic scapes have a mild sweetness that’s a cross between garlic and chives. If you can’t handle garlic bulbs due to the heat, garlic scapes are less spicy and have grassy undertones.

The thin garlic scapes should not be confused with green garlic, which is the young garlic plant harvested before the garlic bulbs form. Scapes also have a more intense flavor than green garlic with an asparagus-like texture. You can eat garlic scapes raw, cooked, or pickled. Raw scapes have a stronger garlicky aroma (albeit a little tough to chew, while cooked scapes taste sweeter.

Where did garlic scapes originate from?

Garlic scapes were originally thrown away during garlic farming to redirect the plant’s energy into producing garlic bulbs. But, people soon recognized the tastiness of the scapes, which led to their harvest before the plants themselves are gathered.

What is the nutritional value of garlic scapes?

The nutritional value of garlic scapes is similar to that of garlic bulbs, with many of the same benefits. Garlic scapes are good sources of vitamins A and C. They also contain:

• Dietary fiber
• Glucose
• Sodium
• Calcium
• Iron

How are garlic scapes grown?

The hardneck garlic plant is harvested twice a year during the spring and summer seasons. Soil temperature is an essential factor, as garlic plants only thrive when the soil is sufficiently warm. Once the garlic scapes grow from the bulbs of the garlic plant, they are harvested before their buds bloom into flowers. Doing so allows the plant to channel all its energy into growing fresh, flavorful garlic bulbs.

When are garlic scapes in season?

Garlic scapes are available from the late spring to early summer. You can usually find them at your local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and Asian supermarkets. Want to know which stores in your area carry fresh garlic scapes? Open Instacart to search for garlic scapes near you and enjoy same-day pick up at these stores.

How do you pick garlic scapes at the grocery store?

To choose fresh garlic scapes at the grocery store, look for those with:

• A smaller size, which is usually more tender
• A firm texture
• A vibrant green hue

Avoid garlic scapes with yellow buds since these are usually past their prime. Check the stalks for bruising, blemishes, and insect holes. You can easily shop for garlic scapes via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to share with your Instacart shopper specific preferences or directions on choosing fresh garlic scapes. Shop organic garlic scapes.

How to store garlic scapes

As garlic scapes have limited availability, proper storage is essential in prolonging your supply. Garlic scapes keep well in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator—they will normally last for up to 3 weeks. To extend their longevity, freeze them whole in ziplock bags.

Alternatively, you can chop them into smaller pieces before freezing. Remember to wash off the dirt and briefly blanch the greens in boiling water to eliminate foodborne bacteria. Next, spread the scapes evenly on a cookie sheet before placing them in the freezer. This prevents the scapes from clumping together when they freeze so that it’s easier to thaw them in small portions when you want to cook them at a later date. Lastly, remove the cookie sheet from the freezer and transfer the scapes into a ziplock bag before putting them back into the freezer. This method helps the garlic scapes last for up to a year.

Pickling is another way to enjoy garlic scapes even when they aren’t in season. Repeat the chopping and blanching process above, then store the scapes in a jar filled with your pickled solution of choice. The pickled scapes can last for roughly 6 months.

How to tell if garlic scapes are bad

As fresh greens go, garlic scapes turn bad easily. When they start to give off an unpleasant odor or appear wilted, it’s time to throw them away. You can replenish your supply of fresh garlic scapes via Instacart when they are in season.

What can I substitute for garlic scapes?

There may be times when you want to incorporate garlic scapes into your dishes but don’t have any fresh ones on hand. In such cases, you can substitute them with one of these alternatives:

• Garlic bulbs: These bulbs are the closest replacement for the seasonal scapes if you don’t mind the more pungent garlicky scent
• Garlic chives: The leaves of the garlic chives offer a subtle garlic aroma reminiscent of the scapes
• Scallions: While scallions don’t have the garlicky undertones characteristic of scapes, the former step up to the plate with a strong onion flavor
• Onions: If you don’t mind a stronger onion aroma with a sweet aftertaste, onions are a great swap when scapes aren’t available

Flavor your dishes with garlic scapes

Thanks to its unique blend of garlic, onions, and chives, garlic scapes are a great way to flavor your dishes the natural way. Instacart curates fresh produce near you for same-day delivery if you’re interested in cooking with garlic scapes. Check out fresh vegetables near you.

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