GARLIC SCAPES

My husband is eagerly waiting for the garlic from the garden.  That's a far cry from last year when he commented on the small size of  the cloves.  But once he started cooking with the garlic, he was shocked at how flavorful it was.  "Some of the best garlic I've tasted"  I believe he said.  He has to wait a bit longer for the garlic, but he may be pleasantly surprised by the scapes!

This is my second season for growing garlic.  The first year I planted a softneck variety from cloves I purchased from the local produce guy.  This past fall  I've planted both hard and softneck variety's purchased from seed company's.  One big difference between the two is that hardneck garlic produces the scapes.

In June, hardneck garlic produces a flower stalk or scape. 

As it grows, it forms a curl.

  

As the curl begins to straighten, it can be removed from the plant.

  These scapes are tender and have a subtle garlic flavor.  They can be used raw, steamed, or sauteed.