Garlic scapes may not be as popular as garlic bulbs, but these curly green stems are packed with flavor and nutrients that can take your dishes to a whole new level. Unfortunately, garlic scapes have a limited shelf life and can quickly go bad if not properly stored.
If you’re a garlic lover who wants to enjoy the goodness of these scapes all year round, then this guide is for you. We’ll show you an effortless way to freeze garlic scapes and preserve their unique taste and aroma for months to come. So, get ready to learn a simple yet effective method that will help you stock up on garlic scapes without any hassle.
Garlic Scape – History
The garlic scape originated in central Asia and is believed to be used in cooking for thousands of years – since 2000 BCE. Since then, it’s was cultivated in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it became highly prized for its culinary and medicinal properties. In ancient Egypt, it was used as a currency and placed in tombs as an offering to the gods, while in India, it was used in Ayurvedic medicine.
In Europe, garlic scape was used as far back as medieval times and was believed to have healing properties, as some still believed today. It was also used in the Middle Ages as a food preservative.
Now, we use garlic for many of the same reasons – to flavor our food and for its healing properties. This amazing vegetable is easily available from farmers’ markets to specialty grocery stores.
What are Garlic Scapes, and Why Freeze Them?
Garlic scapes are the curly green shoots that grow from garlic bulbs. They’re ready to harvest in the late spring and early summer. Their mild garlic flavor is commonly used in cooking. If you’re looking to have garlic scapes during winter and don’t want to run to the grocery, so if you’re wondering if you can freeze them, the answer is yes!
Not only does freezing them give you garlic scapes year-round, but you won’t have to throw any out because they’ve gone bad waiting to be used.
Why freeze garlic scapes?
Freezing garlic scapes is an excellent way to preserve their freshness and taste all year round. It’s also an easy process that requires minimal effort but yields maximum benefits for your cooking endeavors. By freezing garlic scapes, you can always have this flavorful ingredient on hand anytime you need it without worrying about spoilage or waste due to its short shelf life.
How to freeze garlic scapes
Before freezing garlic scapes, it’s important to prepare them to ensure that they retain their flavor and texture.
- Wash the garlic scapes thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the garlic scapes dry with a clean towel.
- Cut the garlic scapes into the desired size. You can either cut them into short or long pieces.
- Blanch the garlic scapes in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the garlic scapes to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the garlic scapes and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Place the garlic scapes in an airtight freezer-safe container or a plastic freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents and store it in the freezer.
Tips for Storing frozen garlic scapes
When it comes to freezing garlic scapes, proper storage is important to maintain their flavor and texture. The best way to store them is in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date of freezing so you can keep track of their freshness.
Garlic scapes will taste best if you use them within six months, but they will keep for up to 12 months.
To avoid mushy garlic scapes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Thawing them at room temperature or in the microwave can make them mushy. Once thawed, you can use this versatile vegetable to enhance your meals.
Ways to Use Frozen Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes can be used in a variety of dishes, just like fresh garlic. They are great for adding a mild garlic flavor to soups, stews, stir-fries, and sautés. They can also be used in pesto, dips, and spreads, pizzas, salad dressings! The possibilities are endless when you freeze garlic scapes! The frozen garlic scapes will infuse the dish with their distinctive garlicky taste, giving it depth of flavor without overpowering other ingredients. Here are a few of our favorite recipes.
Garlic Scape Pesto –
Simply blend together chopped garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Use it as a spread on bread, toss it with pasta, or use it as a dip for vegetables.
Soup
We can’t get enough soup, especially on a cold winter day so we’ve included two recipes.
Garlic Scape Soup
Sauté thawed garlic scapes with onions, potatoes, and chicken broth. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then blend until smooth. Serve hot.
Creamy Garlic Scape Soup
This creamy soup is made with pureed garlic scapes, chicken or vegetable broth, cream, and seasonings. It’s a great way to use up a large amount of garlic scapes, and it’s perfect for a cool evening.
Garlic Scape Hummus
Adding garlic scapes to hummus gives it a fresh and garlicky flavor. Simply blend together chickpeas, tahini, garlic scapes, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables.
Garlic Scape Stir Fry
Sauté thawed garlic scapes with your favorite vegetables and protein. Serve over rice or noodles.
Garlic Scape Butter
Mix chopped garlic scapes with softened butter, salt, and pepper, then use it as a spread on bread, corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables.
Grilled Garlic Scapes
Grilling garlic scapes gives them a slightly charred and smoky flavor that pairs well with the garlic. Brush the scapes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then grill them over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until tender.
Garlic Scape and Potato Frittata
This is a tasty and filling breakfast or brunch dish that features garlic scapes and potatoes. Sauté chopped garlic scapes and diced potatoes in a skillet until tender, then pour in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook until the bottom is set, then place the skillet in the oven to finish cooking the top.
Pickled Garlic Scapes
Pickling garlic scapes preserve their crunchy texture and mild garlic flavor. Combine water, vinegar, salt, sugar, and garlic scapes in a jar, then let it sit in the fridge for a few days. They can be used as a garnish, in sandwiches, or as a snack.
Dips
For garlic scape dip, mix chopped, thawed garlic scapes with Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, and seasonings like dill or paprika. Serve it as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
As you can tell, there are so many ways to use garlic scapes if you get creative – frozen garlic scapes will infuse the dish with their distinctive garlicky taste, giving it depth of flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Garlic Scapes
How long can you store frozen garlic scapes?
Frozen garlic scapes can be stored for up to 12 months in the freezer. However, it’s best to use them within six months of freezing for optimal flavor and texture.
Can you freeze cooked garlic scapes?
Yes, you can freeze cooked garlic scapes. But before freezing them, allow them to cool down completely first. It’s also recommended to pack them in an airtight container or ziplock bag and label them with the date they were frozen.
What is the best way to freeze garlic scapes?
The best way to freeze garlic scapes is to blanch them first.
How do I blanch garlic scapes before freezing?
To blanch garlic scapes before freezing, boil them for 2-3 minutes.
What is the best way to defrost frozen garlic scapes?
To defrost frozen garlic scapes, transfer them from the freezer into your refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, you may thaw it quickly by putting it in cold water, but avoid using hot water, as this will alter its taste and texture. Once thawed, use it immediately or add it directly into your dish while cooking without thawing entirely.
What if I run out of garlic scapes?
With all the benefits, you don’t want to run out, but if you do, you can buy garlic scape powder. It will give you the same flavor and health benefits!
Harvesting garlic scapes
Your garlic scapes should be ready for harvest during the late spring or early summer or mid to late June. If you don’t harvest them when they are still tender, they tend to get woody and tough. Although they’ll still taste great in stews and soups, they won’t do well in salads.
Harvesting is simple – cut off the garlic plant just above the top leaf, leaving some of the plant intact so that the garlic bulb can continue to grow.
Health benefits of garlic scapes
There’s so much more to these delicious vegetables. They are loaded with health benefits.
- Antioxidants – Like chives, garlic scapes have cancer-fighting antioxidants
- Blood pressure – Garlic scapes contain allicin, which has a blood pressure-lowering effect.
- Anti-inflammatory – May have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Immune function – May help boost immune function and fight off infection
- Cardiovascular health – Reduces cholesterol levels and improves blood pressure
Garlic scapes are an easy, nutritious, and flavorful addition to your diet, and the health benefits make it a win-win for your health.
Conclusion:
Enjoy fresh garlic scapes All Year Round Freezing garlic scapes is a great way to preserve their unique flavor and texture for use in your cooking throughout the year. Whether you are looking to add some extra kick to your soups or stews or simply want an easy way to infuse your dishes with some garlicky goodness, frozen garlic scapes are a convenient and delicious ingredient. To get started with freezing these flavorful veggies, follow our simple step-by-step guide. And don’t forget our tips for storing them properly – this will help ensure that they stay fresh and tasty as long as possible. Adding garlic scapes to your diet will not only have your dishes bursting with flavor, but it will give many health benefits as well.