Get ready to discover a powerful and concentrated condiment that will revolutionize your culinary creations: Pickled Garlic Scapes! This recipe is a true triple threat: it’s incredibly easy to make, it utilizes a part of the garlic plant that is typically discarded, and it saves you valuable time in the kitchen. The best part? No peeling required! With its intense flavor and versatility, this pickled garlic scape condiment is perfect as an instant garlic seasoning or as a spread. Let’s dive into the recipe and unlock the full potential of garlic scapes!
Yield: About 1 pint
(Fermentation vessel: 1 quart or larger)
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound garlic scapes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon unrefined sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Trim off the triangular tops of the garlic bulbs, leaving the bulbs intact. These tops are dry and stringy, and they won’t blend well into a paste.
- Cut the stems of the scapes into 1-inch pieces.
- In a food processor, blend the garlic scapes in two batches until they reach a pesto-like consistency.
- Sprinkle the lemon juice and sea salt over the blended scapes. You’ll notice that the veggies become juicy immediately.
- Transfer the garlic scape paste into a quart-sized jar or crock. Press it down until the brine covers the scapes.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the paste to keep any small bits submerged.
- Set the jar or crock on a baking sheet in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, for a period of 5 to 10 days.
- Check the ferment daily to ensure the scapes remain submerged. Some harmless scum may appear on the surface, but refer to the appendix if you have any concerns.
- Starting from day 5, you can begin testing the ferment. It’s ready when the garlic flavor has mellowed, developing a mild and slightly sour taste, and the vibrant green color has faded.
- Once the desired taste is achieved, store the pickled garlic scapes in jars with tightly sealed lids in the refrigerator.
- This ferment will keep well for up to 12 months when refrigerated.
In the Pickle Jar:
Pickled Garlic Scapes You can also explore another exciting way to enjoy garlic scapes by pickling them. Treat them as you would asparagus or use them to add a flourish to a medley of pickled vegetables. Get creative and savor the unique flavors of pickled garlic scapes!
TIPS:
- Harvesting Garlic Scapes: Garlic scapes are the curly flower stalks that emerge from the garlic bulbs. Harvest them when they are still tender and young, before they become too woody.
- Choosing Fresh Scapes: Look for scapes that are firm, vibrant green, and free from blemishes. Fresh scapes will have a mild garlic aroma.
- Trim and Clean: Cut off the tough tips and discard any damaged or discolored parts of the scapes. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Blending Techniques: You can use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender to make the paste. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the scapes briefly. For a smoother paste, blend them for a longer duration.
