If you’ve ever grown garlic or seen it at a farmers market, you might have noticed the curly, green shoots that appear. You may have wondered, can you eat garlic flowers? The answer is a definitive yes. Garlic flowers, or scapes, are not only edible but offer a milder garlic flavor perfect for culinary use.
These unique parts of the plant are a seasonal treat. They are often removed by growers to help the bulb grow larger. But instead of tossing them, you can use them in your kitchen.
This guide covers everything you need to know. We will look at what they are, their benefits, and how to cook with them.
Can You Eat Garlic Flowers
Garlic flowers, commonly called garlic scapes, are the flower stalks of hardneck garlic plants. They emerge from the center of the garlic plant in late spring or early summer. The plant sends up this stalk, which initially forms a loop or curl, with the intent to flower and produce bulbils.
Most gardeners and farmers cut these scapes off. This practice redirects the plant’s energy back into growing a larger, more robust underground bulb. The removed scapes are a delicious byproduct of this process.
They are entirely safe for human consumption. They have a crisp texture when raw, similar to a green bean or asparagus stalk. The flavor is distinctly garlicky but much milder and fresher than a clove, sometimes with a hint of sweetness or a peppery note.
Identifying Garlic Scapes Correctly
It is important to correctly identify garlic scapes before harvesting or purchasing them. They are not the same as green garlic or garlic chives.
A true garlic scape has a few defining features. Look for a long, slender, and round stalk that emerges directly from the plant’s center. It will have a pronounced curl or loop at the top. The tip will often have a pointed, tapered bud that looks like a small, closed capsule. This is the nascent flower pod.
For consumption, the best scapes are young and tender. They should be bright green and snap easily when bent. Older scapes become woody and fibrous, especially near the bottom.
The Nutritional Profile Of Garlic Flowers
Like the garlic bulb, the flowers pack a nutritional punch. They are a low-calorie vegetable rich in beneficial compounds.
They are a good source of vitamin C and contain some vitamin A. They also provide minerals like manganese and selenium. However, their standout feature is their array of sulfur compounds, including allicin, which is associated with many of garlic’s health-promoting properties.
These compounds have been studied for their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Including garlic scapes in your diet is a flavorful way to add these nutrients.
Key Vitamins And Minerals
- Vitamin C: Supports immune function and skin health.
- Vitamin A: Important for vision and cell growth.
- Manganese: Aids in bone formation and metabolism.
- Selenium: Plays a key role in thyroid health and antioxidant defense.
Harvesting And Selecting The Best Garlic Flowers
If you grow hardneck garlic, harvesting the scapes is a simple task. The timing is crucial for the health of your bulb and the quality of your scape harvest.
The best time to harvest is when the scape has made one or two loops but before it straightens out to flower. At this stage, they are at their most tender. Use a sharp knife or scissors and cut the scape as close to the base of the plant as possible, without damaging the leaves.
When selecting scapes at a store or market, apply the same principles. Choose scapes that are vibrant green, firm, and have a tight curl. Avoid any that are yellowing, have a dry tip, or feel limp.
Storing Your Garlic Scapes For Freshness
Proper storage extends the life of your garlic scapes. They are best used fresh but can be kept for a reasonable time.
For short-term storage, treat them like fresh herbs. Trim the very ends, place them in a jar with an inch of water, and loosely cover them with a plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks this way.
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. You can freeze them whole or chopped. Blanching them first—plunging them in boiling water for a minute then ice water—helps retain color, texture, and flavor. Dry thoroughly, spread on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to airtight bags.
How To Prepare Garlic Flowers For Cooking
Preparing garlic scapes is straightforward. Start by giving them a good rinse under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
Next, you’ll usually want to trim them. The very tip of the scape, the pointed flower bud, is edible but can sometimes be a bit tough or bitter. Many people prefer to snap it off or cut it off. The bottom inch or so of the stalk can also be woody; you can trim this or simply snap the scape where it naturally breaks, much like asparagus.
From here, you can prepare them based on your recipe. They can be chopped into rounds, minced, sliced on a bias, or left whole for grilling or pickling. Their versatility is one of their greatest assets.
Common Preparation Methods
- Chopping: For use in pestos, stir-fries, or as a garnish.
- Slicing: Diagonal slices work well for sautés.
- Blending: The primary method for making a vibrant pesto.
- Leaving Whole: Ideal for grilling, roasting, or pickling.
Popular Culinary Uses For Garlic Flowers
The culinary applications for garlic scapes are vast. Their mild garlic flavor makes them a fantastic addition to many dishes where raw garlic might be too overpowering.
One of the most famous uses is garlic scape pesto. It is a brilliant green, flavorful sauce that can be used on pasta, spread on sandwiches, or used as a marinade. They are also exceptional when simply sautéed in olive oil until tender-crisp.
You can use them anywhere you might use garlic, scallions, or asparagus. Think omelets, frittatas, potato dishes, creamy soups, and grain bowls. Their unique shape also makes them perfect for pickling, creating a tangy, crunchy condiment.
Making A Simple Garlic Scape Pesto
This is a classic and easy way to preserve and enjoy the flavor of scapes.
- Chop 1 cup of garlic scapes into 1-inch pieces.
- In a food processor, combine the scapes with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup of nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds), and a pinch of salt.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in about 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Grilling And Roasting Whole Scapes
Grilling or roasting brings out a sweet, mellow flavor. Toss whole scapes with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. For roasting, spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Potential Health Benefits And Considerations
Consuming garlic flowers may offer several health benefits, largely shared with garlic cloves. The allicin and other organosulfur compounds are the primary contributors.
These compounds are studied for their potential to support cardiovascular health by helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Their antioxidant properties can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
It is important to note that while promising, many studies focus on concentrated extracts or garlic cloves. Including whole garlic scapes as part of a balanced diet contributes these compounds in a natural, food-based form.
Who Should Exercise Caution
For most people, garlic scapes are a safe and healthy food. However, some individuals should be mindful.
Those with a known allergy to garlic or other alliums (onions, leeks) should avoid them. Because they can have a mild blood-thinning effect, individuals taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin should consult their doctor before making them a significant part of their diet. As with any high-fiber food, introducing large amounts suddenly may cause digestive discomfort for some.
Preserving Your Garlic Flower Harvest
If you have a bounty of scapes, preserving them allows you to enjoy their flavor year-round. Freezing, as mentioned, is the simplest method.
Pickling is another fantastic option. A quick refrigerator pickle with vinegar, water, salt, and sugar creates a crunchy, tangy treat that lasts for weeks. You can also ferment garlic scapes to create a probiotic-rich condiment.
For a dry preservation method, you can dehydrate chopped scapes into a garlic powder. Simply dry them completely in a dehydrator or low oven, then grind into a powder. This makes a wonderful seasoning.
Step-By-Step Quick Pickling
- Clean and trim your scapes. You can leave them whole or cut into spears.
- Pack them tightly into a clean, sterilized jar.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider), 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Carefully pour the hot brine over the scapes, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Wait at least 48 hours before eating for best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Garlic Scapes And Garlic Flowers The Same Thing?
Yes, the terms are used interchangeably. “Garlic scape” refers to the entire stalk, while “garlic flower” technically refers to the bud at the tip. In common culinary language, both terms describe the edible stalk and bud.
Can You Eat The Garlic Flower Bud?
You can eat the pointed bud at the top of the scape. It is edible, though some find it slightly more fibrous or bitter than the stalk. It is often included in chopped preparations like pesto. You can remove it if you prefer.
What Do Garlic Flowers Taste Like?
They taste like a milder, fresher, and slightly sweeter version of garlic clove. The flavor is often described as a cross between garlic and a green onion, with a crisp, juicy texture when raw. Cooking mellows the flavor further and can bring out sweetness.
Where Can I Buy Garlic Scapes?
During their late spring to early summer season, look for them at farmers markets, specialty grocery stores, and sometimes in the produce section of larger supermarkets. Your best bet for finding them is from local growers.
Do All Garlic Plants Produce Scapes?
No, only hardneck garlic varieties (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon) produce the characteristic curly scape. Softneck garlic varieties, which are more common in supermarkets, do not produce a true, harvestable scape. They are the ones often used for braiding.