05/13/2025
It's nearly garlic scape season!
When the scape of hardneck garlic varieties begins to form, its an indication of so much happening below soil level. Prior to scape formation, garlic is layered just like green onion. The immature green garlic can be used in place of green or bunching onion in any recipie or as a flavorful garnish to dress up the looks and taste of savory dishes. When scapes begin to form, farmers will stop harvesting the immature green garlic, because the scape indicates bulbing action just below the surface. With in a few days to a week, segmentation of the bulb starts to occur as it simultaneously starts rapid growth in bulb size, finally maturing after a few more weeks ending as large garlic heads.
We anticipate having a handful of green garlic this weekend at market, and next we will have these delicious scapes gracing our tables instead - one of our very favorite early season treats!
Our favorite use of garlic scapes here on the farm is a compound butter which combines rich European style butter, grey celtic salt, and minced scapes. We use this to top grilled strip steaks and for our out of this world Parmesan and Smoked Provolone Garlic sourdough focaccia. They are also able to be preserved by freezing and dehydrating or freeze drying for use throughout the year.