How to Harvest and Use Garlic Scapes

Easy demonstration of how to harvest garlic scapes and some recommendations on how to use them in the kitchen. Garlic scapes are a delicious part of hardneck garlic plants and can be a great addition to recipes. Garlic scape pesto and garlic scape pickles are just two options. Substituting garlic scapes for either garlic or onions in a recipe can add a new flavor component.

[@Blue-bl2os]

First vid I've seen and he feels like the Bob Ross of gardening

[@acg2193]

I mash them up in my food processor, add lots and lots of butter (I did 70 scapes), some Italian seasoning and sea salt... keep processing until smooth. I then put it in silicone cube trays and freeze it, pop them out and store in a zip-loc in the freezer. I use this for garlic bread or in any other wonderful garlic food prep. You could do this with EVO as well. This works great with EVO for pesto cubes also!

[@Sabbathissaturday]

Awesome! I have loads of butter and scapes. So no cooking them ?

[@douggilpin2880]

did i just discover the Bob Ross of gardening?? Thanks for the knowledge friend.

[@KookNort]

what a wonderful voice, demeanour & video, thank you Gardener Scott!

[@joannagel4681]

Perfect timing, just noticed the scrapes on my hard neck garlic today & wondered how I harvest & use them❣️

[@larrybrown2906]

We grow 2,000 head necks every year and enjoy every scape. Saute onions, add chopped scapes, fry just a bit, add scrambled eggs, or fried potatoes and onions adding scapes 2 minutes before adding eggs. Thanks for your many videos.

[@deborahatkins6279]

Thanks, I received a bunch of garlic scapes in my CSA box this week and had no idea what to do with them!! Now I do!!

[@lemagreengreen]

Had never grown hardneck garlic before but did this year (without knowing it until today) and was surprised to see scapes! Almost exactly a month before I expect to harvest as well, you got that one spot on!

[@flyshacker]

Very informative! My scapes are ready to harvest right now!

[@summitmail9821]

great informative video. I was completley unaware of this part of the garlic plant. I learned a lot from this video. I'm going to try this, and make some pesto. THanks teaching about this! My dad will LOVE this!!

[@johnbeck2390]

Fantastic video. When I lived in China, this was one of my favorite vegetables. Good to know that I can just grow hard neck garlic and enjoy scapes and the cloves. Thanks again.

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome, John. It's easy and well worth it.

[@gamingpartners]

Great and easy to understand information. I have digestive issues and garlic itself (a high FODMAP) causes me health problems; however, the garlic scapes are considered low fodmaps and offer the flavor and health benefits for me. Thank you.

[@gardentokitchenwgarrycarte3963]

Very informative - purchased my bulbs today for fall planting. thanks.

[@alisah8501]

Wonderful information! Thank you so much. This is my first time harvesting scapes and soon garlic as well 😊 thank you!

[@TerryBrochu]

Thank you!! I have a nice batch ready to harvest...my first time! Appreciate the information

[@pfinniganallen]

Are you related to Mr. Rogers?

[@motherhood234]

My five year old and I just picked some and going to put into our sauce (using my mom's tomatoes from last year. Thank you for your video.

[@mitchla806]

Thank you for the garden tips and cooking ideas

[@interestedabbott]

Thank you, sir! Wonderful information. I appreciate it. Now I know that I am growing Hard Neck Garlic!! Had no idea.

[@Dee.C]

My grandmother use to use garlic scapes in her chili along with onions , added them to French Onion soup she made from scratch too. Ahh, memories. Thank you for reminding me about them . I think I will try to grow some hard neck varieties this next season .

[@GardenerScott]

That's a great memory. Sounds delicious.

[@Slipstitch46]

How do you keep them if you have a large amount?. Other than pickling? Do they freeze well?

[@Optimusprimerib36]

Pickled garlic scapes are awesome. Ive only ever seen them on wine trails in the Finger Lakes so Im going to try and can my own this year.

[@GardenerScott]

Those sound great. I might have to try that this year. Thanks.

[@randomharts]

Yeah, this was exactly the video I needed!🥰

[@ruthsenglishchannel2078]

I just cut mine and thought, ‘I wonder if I can cook these?’ Thanks for confirming and inspiration 😊

[@GardenJensJourney]

Thanks for the video Scott! Well done. I have lots of scapes to harvest. Now I know that the curl is a sign of young age, and not older more "ready to harvest" ones. I was watching them wrong. 😏😂 I will harvest them sooner now that I know they actually straighten as they age...

[@maryannsilva9562]

Luv it!! Thank you Great video.

[@lesliejacobs1439]

Your videos provide more specific information than others on the same topic..( I just watched 3 others)..like the 2 kinds of garlic, hard and soft neck, like the shape ( curling)..indicating maturity of scape and the more tender. The timing of scapes to harvest.. ..about a month..thanks bunches.

[@ayannawilliams9922]

Nice video! I somehow was studying for visual arts and found myself here. I now know what a garlic scape is :) lol

[@stjepanvrhovnik8744]

Thank You very much for this info on a garlic scapes.

[@user-mq9co4tl1w]

Well explained. Thank You!

[@jossietrinidad4770]

Now I know about garlic scape. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

My pleasure 😊

[@maryannbergeron9531]

Great instructive video. I just came across your channel. I am new to garlic scapes so this video was a big help. ❤

[@ActiveArtisan]

Pleasant video. Thanks!

[@marynancy1187]

Very helpful thank you

[@life.re-defined]

Very helpful.

[@johnmchale6667]

Great video

[@thestormlscoming]

I just ate the scape whole after roasting. Holy shit they’re so sweet! I didn’t add any seasoning. Delicious!!!!

[@adampetherick7836]

Wow thankyou for your information

[@tonyafoodfamilyfriendsandf8192]

hmmm I never knew, thanks for the information!!😊

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome. Thanks for commenting.

[@SydG0001]

We've had garlic scapes twice now from a local farm. It's sort of like eating green beans

[@brokendolly6967]

They would be delicious on a potato soup 😋

[@stevelirette5421]

Now I know..TY Gardner Scott.

[@graciethankful4643]

Very nice 👌 👍

[@91GT347]

The fresh garlic here (at Foodlion anyway) is hard neck. Usually some type of purple stripe it appears. Sometimes its a solid white variety. Depending on where they get it.

[@marleneoldham5235]

My hard necked garlic plants are at the straight scape stage. May chop some and freeze for winter soups. Will know better next year!

[@haleyvonbechtolsheim9714]

@gardnerEric can they be successfully frozen? At what stage and how?? Thanks again , Catherine

[@yingliu4414]

It is really yummy to sauté it with sliced beef or pork or chicken. Other ingredients are oil, black pepper, soy sauce or BQ sauce. If you like sautéed onions you definitely love sautéed garlic scapes. It is more tender crispy with pleasant aroma.

[@AKTSFORLIFE]

thanks for the info, i did not know that, and i cut them all and throw them back to the garden.

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome. Throwing them back is a nice option to return nutrients to the garden> eating or composting are both good options.

[@norxgirl1]

Went to weed and found so many scapes on my hardneck variety, northern middle Tennessee....not the youngest scapes, but still well curved over on most.....

[@bonbonuchi]

In Spain young garlic is considered a delicacy. You can buy at the super market or any grocery store ❤. Unfortunately, "ajos tiernos" are not available where I live (in Switzerland), so I will set out to plant some myself, for my kitchen 😊

[@unclejohnthezef]

great video. also congratulations on new 30 for 30 about your home run race with sammy sosa

[@jofipps376]

Hi Gardener Scott, Do you have a particular on-line nursery you like and don’t mind sharing? Thanks for your wonderful videos!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Jo. I do have some favorites. For fruit trees and other fruiting plants I like Stark Bros. Jung Seed has sent good quality plants. High Country Gardens is good for xeric plants. I like to grow most of my plants from seed and have many favorite seed companies. You can check out my video on seed catalogs for more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHXShYN8i76sfsU

[@AmandaWoolsey]

You mentioned when it’s too late (or they may be tougher) but is there a too early? Mine just popped out, they have curled, but I am not sure if they are ready

[@GardenerScott]

You can eat them when very young so there really isn't a too early. They are more tender when young and very curled.

[@libertygolamco4718]

I never knew that.how come your garlic chives grow so tall.

[@joefazio4995]

Thanks fr the info, very informative! Is there a particular time of year where one might find these in local (SF Bay Area) Farmer's Markets?

[@GardenerScott]

The scapes begin appearing in most areas in June.

[@joefazio4995]

@@GardenerScott Thank you!

[@wandawilson6266]

Great advice. Im growing garlic for the first time. Plant them last fall. I hear that cutting scapes off will also make the bulbs bigger. Is that true ? Also i had no idea what a scape looked like. . So now i know. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

That is true. As the scape grows and flowers it robs energy from the bulb.

[@SG25]

Do you cut the flower off for pickling? I mean the bulby end of the scape.

[@GardenerScott]

I do.

[@angelabird2864]

When you use these, do you chop up the bud as well or just the parts that look like stems?

[@GardenerScott]

I just use the stems, but the buds are edible.

[@dgk4268]

Scott, Do you use the bulb at the top along with the shoot or does that contain seeds for trying to plant next season? Also can the scape be dried and and used after grinded it into a powder? Dan

[@GardenerScott]

If I harvest early the top bulb is tender but as it matures it gets a little crunchy and I just use the scape. It can be dried.

[@donhinchey9148]

👍👍

[@ms.royahrens8777]

New to growing garlic-I grew the hard neck variety. When using the scapes, do you use the bulbis part too, or just the green stalks? Thanks so much!

[@GardenerScott]

I just use the green stalk. The bulb is still growing and about a month away from normal harvest time.

[@ms.royahrens8777]

@@GardenerScott Thank you! What I meant was, if you ate the flower bulb too. Sorry, I guess I wasn’t very clear on my question!

[@tylers7390]

Same question here: do you use the entire scape, or discard the flower bud?

[@ms.royahrens8777]

@@tylers7390 I cut up the flower bud with the rest of it. Then I flash froze them and then put all in a container in the freezer.

[@subzardar]

KHT Foods have commercialized Garlic scape pickle that has multiple health benefits.

[@jeffb5443]

Thanks for the video! In addition to the culinary benefit of cutting off the scapes I've also read that cutting them off produces larger bulbs because the plant will then put energy into making the bulb instead of flowers. However, I have also read that it dosen't make any difference! What is your opinion on this? Also are you willing to share any of your recipes:)

[@GardenerScott]

Cutting them off early can make the bulbs a bit larger, but they appear so close to harvest time that there isn't much noticeable difference.

[@anonymousprepper1463]

WHat are the best ways to pickle them for canning and preserving, any recipes that have worked well? My canning book doesn't specify for scapes.

[@GardenerScott]

I haven't pickled them, but recipes for green beans should work.

[@maryegerton6848]

Hi! I have never tasted scapes before but I want to make the pesto. How long will it keep in the refrigerator for?

[@GardenerScott]

It should last a week or two in the refrigerator, but the flavor may deteriorate. I freeze it if I don't plan to use it in a day or two.

[@maryegerton6848]

@@GardenerScott thank you

[@ergon]

I made garlic scape pesto recently. But when I tasted it a few days later the pesto had absolutely no garlic taste at all, it didn’t have any taste at all. Before I made the pesto I tasted some scapes raw and they definitely had a nice spicy garlic taste. I was wondering if you know why they lost the taste once I made pesto. Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

It's possible the sulfur compounds that give the aroma and flavor dissipated.

[@tombryant4518]

Have you made any videos of how to harvest the seeds from the scapes? How to plant them, and how long they take from seed to harvest?

[@GardenerScott]

I haven't. It takes a couple years for the seeds to develop into bulbs. Viability and germination are often very low.

[@tombryant4518]

@@GardenerScott That’s what I heard. Thank you for answering me, and reassuring me not to waste my time trying it out! Love your channel Scott, keep on keeping on brother!

[@jasonvaneaton1753]

What about the would-be-flower portion of the scape - is it edible, or does it go back to the compost?

[@GardenerScott]

It is edible but has a different texture.

[@janetdangelo4224]

Can you store them in the refrigerator and do you wash them first? Also I heard you can freeze them?

[@GardenerScott]

They can be stored in the refrigerator and can be frozen. Washing is always a good idea.

[@Fuzzybudget]

Reminds me of Egyptian walking onions

[@bad2mx]

My soft neck garlic had some scapes?

[@everydaymiraclesfarmhomesc6587]

Do I use the flower end or just the curl?

[@GardenerScott]

You can use both, but I find the curl to be easier to chop and cook just like onions or garlic.

[@watermelonlalala]

I planted a bulb from the grocery store. It grew into two bulbs, and now they each have a scape. But I left them too long.

[@thefishfin-atic7106]

I used to pull the scapes off my garlic just as you shown here, then I read somewhere, that this leaves a hollow spot in the stem, which allows rain and dew to run down into the stem, and can rot or introduce mold on the bulb itself. I don't know if this is a real concern, but I've started clipping them with scissors just to be safe. What's your opinion on this?

[@GardenerScott]

The scapes are not hollow like a green onion. They're more solid and the cut above ground is not likely to introduce mold. You don't need to be concerned.

[@barbsbasic]

Is the bulb at the top also to be used or do you cut that off?

[@GardenerScott]

I cut it off for the pesto, but it is edible and can be a crunch addition in salads.

[@gregmccoy229]

Hi Scott.....Are you doing any in person gardening sessions this year?

[@GardenerScott]

I've already done a few but nothing else is scheduled for now.

[@gregmccoy229]

@@GardenerScott Ok, thanks!

[@susanskinner8855]

Do you use the entire scape or cut off the ‘bulb’ part?

[@GardenerScott]

While you can eat the bulb, I cut it off.

[@sarahsgarden9684]

Can you eat the immature flower bulb too or do you chop that off and just use the rest of the scapes?😊

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, you can eat the flower. The immature seeds add a nice crunch to salads.

[@KallyKafritsas]

I feel foolish for not researching first but I planted a dozen bulbs in March of this year? At this time they are growing tall green stalks. I don’t know 🤷‍♀️ what to do . Will they mature or should I forget about them and begin again in October or November?

[@GardenerScott]

That's normal. They should mature soon. This video should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKTZgYibr6p7npY

[@dittosunshine4488]

I received some and now they are budding with a white like flower they were just laying on my counter what can I do with those

[@GardenerScott]

The flower and seeds are edible. You can add them to salads for a crunch.

[@barbaratansey2030]

👍

[@margaretcooper9328]

Do you use the bulb portion of the scape?

[@GardenerScott]

You can, but I prefer the tender stalks.

[@davesullivan3802]

@@GardenerScott If the bulb is starting to flower, is that a sign that you waited to late? I already waited to late, not knowing any better and my stalks were no longer curly, but hey, now I know!

[@GardenerScott]

@@davesullivan3802 It's not too late, but it will be more fibrous and the flavor will be stronger,

[@Holy_Frijole]

can you eat the whole thing including the flower tip?

[@GardenerScott]

You can.

[@paulroper2670]

Thinking my garlic had gone to seed I pulled all my plants up , big mistake

[@matrixdecoded4226]

How long after harvesting scapes can you store them before use?

[@GardenerScott]

They do best if used within a week after harvest. In a bag in the refrigerator they can store for a few weeks.

[@matrixdecoded4226]

@@GardenerScott Thanks

[@shiningsea8079]

I think I have lots of wild garlic in my yard. At least the greens smell like garlic. Right now they have straight scapes and I would like to harvest them. Is it safe to eat? Is there anything similar in the wild that looks or smells like that but is not safe to eat? I've heard there is something poisonous that is very similar looking. How would I tell the difference?

[@GardenerScott]

I would check with a local plant expert through a nursery or Extension office. There are some plants like that that are not safe.

[@lindachia8827]

Does only hard neck garlic produce garlic scapes?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes. The soft neck varieties don't.

[@greenbuoy40]

People seem to be missing out on the bulb seeds.

[@nancysewell769]

So. . .the soft-neck variety does not have a scape? (at 1:30)

[@GardenerScott]

That's right.

[@morganrody67]

But u don't mention if u use just the thin part or the bulby part or both. Is the scape the whole thing? And is the bulb ok to eat?

[@GardenerScott]

The scape is the whole thing and all of it is edible. The bulb is okay and if seeds have started to develop they'll be crunchy.

[@morganrody67]

@@GardenerScott awesome, thanks

[@sherryduckwall9680]

Can you freeze garlic scapes?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes you can. They are firm and dense to start, but the texture will change a bit when they thaw.

[@Profisherr]

Can I get ur garlic scape pesto recipie please?

[@GardenerScott]

I show it this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHYand6jMeIeNU

[@deboraaragon8026]

...🙂🙂🙂

[@temi4116]

What are garlic scapes?

[@GardenerScott]

Hard neck garlic plants send up a shoot that will flower and seed. That is the scape.

[@oregonpatriot1570]

Your garlic looks hungry.

[@respectfullydecline973]

Sweet Jesus. Are you the Bob Ross of scapes? Good info but talk a tad faster….I beg you.

[@ttb1513]

Or, you could just bump up the playback speed to 1.5X or 2X and not complain and just appreciate his informative videos.

[@respectfullydecline973]

@@ttb1513 Or I can make the comment I did. See how that goes?