Pickled Garlic Scapes: A Springtime Delicacy

The first time I encountered garlic scapes, I was at a farmer’s market, utterly captivated by their whimsical curls and vibrant green color. They looked like something straight out of a fairy tale garden. Intrigued, I bought a bunch, not quite knowing what to do with them. I ended up grilling some alongside steak, and their mild garlic flavor was a revelation. That’s when I knew I had to find more ways to use these seasonal treasures, and pickling them seemed like the perfect way to preserve their unique taste and enjoy them long after the season ended.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 3 days refrigeration)
• Yields: 1 quart
• Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

• ¾ – 1 lb garlic scapes
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup cider vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons pickling spices
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon whole peppercorns
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon whole mustard seeds

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Small saucepan
• Quart jar
• Slotted spoon
• Ice bath (bowl with ice and water)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your garlic scapes. Wash them thoroughly under cool water. Remove any blossoms (the flower buds at the end) as well as any tough, woody ends. These parts can be a bit bitter, so it’s best to discard them.

2. Next, cut each scape into 2-3 inch sections. This makes them easier to pack into the jar and also more manageable to eat later.

3. Bring 3-4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. This blanching step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your pickled scapes.

4. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the cut garlic scapes. Blanch them for 2 ½ – 3 minutes. Blanching helps to soften the scapes slightly and also brightens their color.

5. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the blanched scapes from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into an ice bath. This sudden temperature change stops the cooking process and helps to preserve their crispness.

6. Let the scapes sit in the ice water for a few minutes until they are completely cool. This is an important step to prevent them from becoming mushy during the pickling process.

7. Drain the cooled scapes well, removing any excess water. Then, pack them tightly into a clean quart jar.

8. In a small saucepan, combine the water, cider vinegar, white vinegar, kosher salt, sugar, and pickling spices.

9. Bring this brine mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure that the salt and sugar dissolve completely.

10. Add the peppercorns and mustard seeds to the quart jar, distributing them evenly among the garlic scapes. These spices add a lovely complexity to the flavor of the pickled scapes.

11. Once the brine has reached a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and carefully pour it over the garlic scapes in the jar. Make sure the brine completely covers the scapes, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jar.

12. Add the lid to the jar and let it cool to room temperature on the counter. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 days before eating. This allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together.

13. Your pickled garlic scapes will last for about a month in the refrigerator. I’ve found they can even last longer, up to a year, though they may become a bit softer over time. For longer term storage, you could seal the jars in a water bath, though I have not personally tried this method.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t over-blanch the scapes: The goal is to soften them slightly, not to cook them through. Over-blanching will result in mushy pickled scapes.
• Pack the jar tightly: This helps to ensure that the scapes stay submerged in the brine.
• Use good quality vinegar: The flavor of the vinegar will directly impact the flavor of the pickled scapes, so choose a good quality cider vinegar and white vinegar. I recommend using vinegars with 5% acidity for optimal preservation.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pickling spices, peppercorns, and mustard seeds to suit your taste. You can also add other spices like dried chili flakes for a bit of heat.
• Patience is key: The pickled scapes need at least 3 days in the refrigerator for the flavors to fully develop. Don’t be tempted to eat them too soon!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These pickled garlic scapes are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a tangy appetizer alongside a cheese board or charcuterie platter. They’re also fantastic as a condiment for grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads. Chop them up and add them to potato salad or use them as a flavorful garnish for soups and stews.

Store your pickled garlic scapes in the refrigerator. They will last for about a month, maybe even longer if stored properly. While I haven’t tried freezing them, I don’t recommend it as the texture may change significantly.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	121 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	9 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	4682.2 mg	195%
Total Carbohydrate	9.2 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.2 g	0%
Sugars	6.1 g	24%
Protein	0.2 g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Pickled Scapes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño pepper to the jar for a bit of heat.
• Herbed Pickled Scapes: Add fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary to the jar for a more complex flavor profile.
• Sweet Pickled Scapes: Increase the amount of sugar in the brine to create a sweeter pickle.
• Different Vinegar: While I prefer the combination of cider and white vinegar, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or red wine vinegar.
• Garlic Cloves: Add a few cloves of garlic to the jar with the scapes for an extra garlicky punch.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What are garlic scapes?
A: Garlic scapes are the flower stalks that grow from hardneck garlic plants. They have a mild, garlic-y flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.

Q: Where can I find garlic scapes?
A: Garlic scapes are typically available at farmers’ markets or specialty grocery stores in the spring and early summer.

Q: Can I use other types of garlic for this recipe?
A: While this recipe is specifically for garlic scapes, you could potentially pickle garlic cloves as well, though the flavor will be much stronger.

Q: How long do pickled garlic scapes last?
A: Pickled garlic scapes will last for about a month in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I water bath can these to make them shelf stable?
A: Yes, you can seal the jars in a water bath for longer-term storage, though I have not personally tried this method, so follow proper canning safety guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Pickled garlic scapes are a delicious and unique way to enjoy the flavors of spring. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and add a delightful tangy kick to any dish. So, grab some garlic scapes while they’re in season and give this recipe a try. I’m confident you’ll love the bright, garlicky flavor of these pickled treasures! Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique version. And, if you try it, let me know what you think! I love hearing about your culinary creations. Pair these with grilled pork tenderloin for an amazing meal!