How to Use Spring Garlic Scapes

Pretty plant makes a great side dish.

Oh, it must be spring if the scapes are here. For a true taste of spring, head down to your local farmer's market and ask for garlic scapes. The scape is the part of the plant that shoots above the earth while the bulb grows down below. It hardens as the spring turns into summer and is no longer edible. Scapes have hints of garlic and nutty earthiness, and are an elegant addition to any springtime meal. Go get the scapes while you can!

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb. garlic scapes, chopped into 2-inch pieces
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Roll the lemon on the counter to release the juice. Cut and squeeze, set aside. Heat the oil on medium-high heat. When hot, place cut scapes into the pan.

2. Coat the scapes in the oil and sauté for 2 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, add the lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

3. Continue to sauté until the thickest scapes are tender and translucent.

4. Serve hot.

Tips & Warnings

• Garlic scapes make a great healthy snack on their own.

• They also go well with light meat dishes.

• You can try tossing scapes into pasta with some capers and grated Romano cheese for a main dish.0

• Don't wait. As spring turns to summer, they get harder and less tasty. The best scapes are flexible and soft.