Pickled Garlic Scapes | Blue Frost Acres

Garlic scapes are the curly stem of the garlic plant that form on the plant in late spring, early summer. They have a mild but very distinguished garlic flavor and are very versatile. Scapes are only available for a short time, so order them while you can! Pickled garlic scapes bring the fabulousness of a garlic scape to an even higher plane. They add a little tang of vinegar and a hint of spice to the party.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Yield: Makes about 2 pints

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh garlic scapes, ends trimmed
• 2 cups white wine vinegar
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (not mustard seeds)
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds (not ground coriander)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Clean your jars well.
2. Blanch the garlic scapes in boiling, salted water for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the beans and cool them under cold running water.
3. Combine all the ingredients except for the garlic scapes in a pot and bring to a boil.
4. Fill jars with the garlic scapes then spoon or pour the liquid into your jars, leaving 1/2 inch at the top and making sure the garlic scapes are completely submerged. Some people prefer to strain out the spices, other people like to leave them in the jars.
5. Be sure to remove all air from the jars. Tapping the side of the jars can help, as can using chopsticks or other long, thin objects to release and air bubbles.
6. Wipe the tops of the jars and apply the lids and rings.
7. Once the jars are cool place them in the refrigerator, they will last for up to 6 weeks.
8. The pickled garlic scapes are ready for eating right away but the flavor will continue to develop the longer they are in the liquid.