They twist, they curl, and they pack a punch. Garlic scapes are the kind of quirky, flavorful ingredient that makes CSA shares feel like a weekly treasure hunt. Tucked between bunches of kale and cartons of farm-fresh eggs, these bright green spirals are often met with curiosity—especially for those new to seasonal eating.

Unlike the usual supermarket produce, garlic scapes rarely show up on grocery store shelves. They're a crop that thrives in small, sustainable farms and often only make it to tables thanks to local food systems like CSAs or farmers markets. That makes them a kind of edible secret handshake among those who know how to spot them and what to do with them.

Once you’ve got a bundle in hand, the next question is what to make. The good news is garlic scapes are surprisingly versatile—and easy to cook with, even for beginners. Whether you’re blending them into a sauce or tossing them on the grill, scapes are a fun way to celebrate the abundance of local produce.

What Are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are the flowering stalks that grow from hardneck garlic plants. Farmers typically trim them off in early summer to encourage the garlic bulb to grow bigger underground. The result is a crisp, green shoot that’s tender when young and packed with fresh, garlicky flavor—somewhere between green onion and garlic clove, but milder than either one raw.

Scapes tend to be long and curly, often forming whimsical spirals that look more like something you’d find in a bouquet than a vegetable bin. They’re only available for a few weeks out of the year, which is part of what makes them feel so special. If you’re in a CSA or frequent a local farm stand, this is one of those fleeting seasonal gems that comes and goes quickly.

How to Use Garlic Scapes

Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your garlic scape haul:

• Make pesto: Classic and wildly flavorful. Blend chopped garlic scapes with olive oil, Parmesan, nuts (try sunflower seeds or walnuts), salt, and lemon juice. Toss with pasta, spread on toast, or swirl into scrambled eggs.
• Grill them: Toss whole scapes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until charred and tender. Serve as a side dish, or chop them into salads or bowls.
• Add to breads: Dice them finely and fold into savory quick breads, focaccia, or cornbread batter. They also work well in compound butter for spreading over warm toast.
• Pickle them: Quick-pickled garlic scapes are tangy, crunchy, and excellent on sandwiches or as a garnish. Use the same brine you’d use for cucumbers or green beans.
• Chop into stir-fries and sautés: Treat them like you would green onions or asparagus tips—chop and toss them into vegetable medleys, fried rice, or noodle dishes.
• Stir into frittatas or quiches: Garlic scapes bring a pop of flavor to egg-based dishes. Pair with seasonal vegetables and local cheese for a true farm-to-table brunch.
• Add to slaws or salads: When thinly sliced, they add a bright garlic note to cold dishes, especially when balanced with sweet fruit like apples or citrus.
• Roast in the oven: Spread scapes on a sheet pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F until tender and slightly crispy, about 15–20 minutes. The texture becomes almost snackable.
• Simmer into soups: Dice and sauté them with onions, then add to vegetable or chicken-based soups for a subtle garlic undertone that’s less sharp than cloves.
• Use as a pizza topping: Chop scapes into small pieces or cut into short curls and scatter them over homemade or store-bought pizza before baking. They roast beautifully in a hot oven and add great flavor without overwhelming the pie.

Garlic scapes may not stick around long, but while they’re here, they offer a delicious reminder of how good it can be to eat with the seasons. Whether you’re knee-deep in a CSA share or just grabbing a few from a local farm stand, these flavorful green curls are worth getting to know.