Garlic Scapes
Scapes are the flower stalks found on members of the Allium family (onions, leeks, chives, and garlic).
Garlic scapes, which only appear on hardneck varieties, are bright green and curl upward as they grow. They look a lot like a stiff curling green onion. Atop their wild, snaking length there sits a small, closed little seed-like bulb that is trimmed away during preparation for eating.
When garlic scapes are in full curl, they are tender and delicious, tasting like a sweet, mild garlic. They smell clean, like cut grass, with a hint of sharpness.
If allowed to continue growing, the scape will harden and change from green to the familiar crisp beige color of garlic peel. It will also stop the growth of the garlic bulb in the earth below. So, by clipping off the scapes, farmers and gardeners get two prizes — a bigger garlic bulb at harvest, and an edible delectable for midsummer dining.
Here are links to a couple recipes:
