Garlic Scape Pesto

What are garlic scapes and why do I want to make Garlic Scape Pesto?

You may be asking these questions now, but trust me, after you have tasted some you will put this in your regular seasonal meal rotation. If you are a busy mom like me, Garlic Scape Pesto is one recipe you should definitely have in your meal-time toolbox. This very adaptable recipe replaces that bottle of seed-oil laced salad dressing that you may have been using with fresh, homemade ingredients and is ultra easy to assemble. One night you might enjoy it rubbed over some pork, fish, or chicken, then later that week stir it in with some fresh pasta or zoodles for an easy side or quick homeschool lunch.

Garlic scapes are the tops or the "greens" that develop only on hardneck variety garlics and could be thought of as a "bonus crop" that develops in the spring. Most farmers remove the scapes so that energy remains focused on developing a larger bulb rather than being diverted to form a flower/seed head. Our favorite hardneck garlic to grow here on the farm is the "music" variety which is truly a gourmet garlic.

Hardneck varieties usually have bulbs that are streaked with pink or purple and are known to have more intense flavor. Their scapes have a mild garlic flavor and are considered by many to be a delicacy which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. The flavorful scapes can be grilled, gently sautéed with butter and lemon or used in stir-fry or soup. Their delicate flavor allows them to be swapped for green onions in your cooking and they are easily minced for use in pesto - as we will do here with my favorite Garlic Scape Pesto recipe.

Here is what you need to make Garlic Scape Pesto:

• 10 to 15 large garlic scapes cut in 1/2" pieces

• 1/2 to 1 cup organic extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/3 cup Pine nuts or walnuts, optional

• Basil, parsley, or other fresh herb, optional

  Instructions: Dump garlic scapes, parmesan, nuts, basil or parsley (if using) in a food processor. Gently pulse to bring together. Pour in 1/2c olive oil and continue pulsing until fully combined. Depending on how smooth or chunky you prefer, you can continue to add olive oil and pulse until it becomes a nice paste. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately, place in a jar in fridge for up to a week, or store in freezer for 6 months. So delicious on toasted home-baked bread that might be a little stale, makes an excellent vinaigrette base, tastes amazing stirred into grilled veggies, mashed potatoes or pasta, creates a nice surprise on scrambled or fried eggs, and is fabulous on homemade pizza night!

Just like garlic, these scapes have excellent health benefits and nutrition; however, also like garlic, these scapes lose much of their efficacy in the cooking process. Using them in Garlic Scape Pesto allows for maximum absorption of these powerful health-supporting compounds.

Enjoy Your Health!