garlic scape pesto

If it escapes you in regards to what exactly a scape is, let me fill you in! Scapes are the delicious curling shoots that hardback garlic sends up sometime in late June. To help keep the plant’s energy focused on forming that precious bulb, you need to lop these shoots off. It’s actually a fabulous two-for-one crop to grow as you harvest not only the bulb, but these tasty treats as well. They have a texture like asparagus, and taste a bit like a garlicky green bean. Roasted, grilled, pickled…you can’t go wrong. And for a little pasta love, trying this delicious pesto!

Ingredients:

• 15 to 20 garlic scapes, chopped

• 1/2 cup walnuts

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan

• 2-3 cups chopped parsley

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• salt

• black pepper

• juice of 1/2 lemon

Combine garlic scapes, nuts, Parmesan and parsley in a food processor, pulse until finely chopped. 

With processor running, slowly add oil until desired consistency is reached. 

Add salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste. Process until just mixed.

Bonus, scapes store like a dream in the refrigerator! Just keep in a plastic bag and they’ll stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. You can even keep them on your counter in a jar of water for a few days, just make sure to change the water daily.