Take advantage of that double harvest that comes with growing hardneck garlic and see how to store and preserve garlic scapes to enjoy all year long!
How to Preserve Garlic Scapes and Why
Garlic scapes are a once a year (possibly twice in some regions) delicacy that people go crazy over. And for good reason, they are delicious, can be used in a variety of applications and are a no-work bonus of the double harvest that comes with hardneck varieties of garlic.
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How to Store Garlic Scapes
The options for storing garlic scapes are endless! Today I’m sharing with you my top three favorite ways to store and preserve scapes for future enjoyment and it really couldn’t be any easier. Choose a method or try all three!
When it comes to preserving your harvest, you can store:
At Room Temperature –Â Once you’ve cut the scapes, store them in a mason jar like you would cut flowers. Change the water daily and they will last several days on your counter. If your garlic scapes not used within this amount of time move on to preserving by one of the next two methods below.
In the Fridge – Cut and store scapes in an air-tight container in the fridge with a damp paper towel. I’m always amazed by how long garlic scapes last this way in the fridge and it truly couldn’t be easier! Just snip the scapes from the plant, place them in a zip lock bag and fold up a paper towel that is damp and your scapes will last for a minimum of two weeks this way. (But I’ve had mine last for up to six weeks!)
In the Freezer – Many people ask, Can you freeze garlic scapes? And the answer is yes, you certainly can and they freeze very well. To freeze, remove the flower head and chop the scape stalk into any size. Portion out the scapes into your desired container and freeze covered in the oil of your choice. I love using these silicone molds for this application. The size is perfect to fit a good amount of scapes while also covering with oil in order to protect them from the freezer. These large cubes of frozen goodness are a wonderful addition to stir fries and a convenient way to add garlic flavor to just about any meal.
More ways to preserve your harvest:
- How to Preserve Garlic
- How to Roast Garlic
- How to Preserve Chilies
- Instant Pot Hidden Veggie Applesauce
- Honey Balsamic Freezer Jam
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