How to Freeze Garlic Scapes: Easy Step-by-Step

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Garlic scapes, those curly cues from your garlic plants, are such a treat! The season for them is short, so you will want to make them last! You can think of freezing scapes as a great way to support local farmers; buying in bulk when they’re in season at the farmer’s market and freezing them ensures you’ve got that fresh garlic flavor year-round. Even the National Center for Home Food Preservation recognizes freezing as a safe method for preserving many vegetables, including these tasty scapes. With just a Ziploc bag and a little bit of your time, learning how to freeze garlic scapes becomes super simple, meaning you can enjoy that fresh, garlicky goodness way beyond their short growing season!

How to Freeze Garlic Scapes: Your Easy Guide!

Hey there, garlic lover! So you’ve got a bunch of those curly, delicious garlic scapes and you’re wondering how to keep them around for longer? Freezing is the perfect way to enjoy that garlicky goodness way beyond their short season. Let’s dive into a super easy, step-by-step guide!

Here’s how we’ll break it down:

• Why Freeze Garlic Scapes? (A little motivation!)
• Gather Your Supplies (Nothing fancy needed!)
• Step-by-Step Freezing Instructions (The main event!)
  • Cleaning the Scapes
  • Chopping or Pureeing
  • Blanching (Optional but Recommended)
  • Cooling Down
  • Packaging for Freezing
• Tips for Using Frozen Garlic Scapes (What to make!)

Why Freeze Garlic Scapes?

Think of freezing your scapes as an investment in future deliciousness! Garlic scapes are only around for a short time in the spring, and freezing lets you capture that fresh, vibrant flavor for months to come. You can add them to stir-fries, pesto, soups, dips, and so much more. Plus, it prevents them from going to waste. It’s a win-win!

Gather Your Supplies

Good news – you probably already have everything you need! Here’s a quick checklist:

• Garlic Scapes (obviously!)
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Large Pot
• Bowl of Ice Water
• Slotted Spoon or Spider
• Food Processor or Blender (Optional, for pureeing)
• Freezer-Safe Bags or Containers
• Marker or Pen (For labeling!)

Step-by-Step Freezing Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s your foolproof guide to freezing garlic scapes:

1. Cleaning the Scapes

Give those scapes a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pay special attention to the curly parts where dirt can hide.

2. Chopping or Pureeing

You have two main options here, depending on how you plan to use your scapes later.

• Chopping: Simply chop the scapes into smaller pieces. The size depends on your preference, but about 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces work well. This is great for adding directly to dishes.
• Pureeing: For a smoother texture and easier blending into sauces or dips, puree the scapes in a food processor or blender with a little water or oil (olive oil works beautifully!).

3. Blanching (Optional but Recommended)

Blanching helps to preserve the color, flavor, and texture of the scapes during freezing. It’s an extra step, but it’s worth it!

1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the chopped or pureed scapes to the boiling water.
3. Blanch for 1-2 minutes (1 minute for chopped, 2 minutes for pureed).
4. Immediately remove the scapes with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer them to the bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process.

4. Cooling Down

Let the scapes cool completely in the ice water. This usually takes a few minutes. Once cooled, drain them well. You can use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

5. Packaging for Freezing

Now it’s time to get those scapes ready for their icy slumber!

Option 1: Freezer Bags: Place the chopped or pureed scapes into freezer-safe bags. Flatten the bags to remove as much air as possible and seal tightly. Label the bags with the date and contents (e.g., “Garlic Scapes, Chopped, 2024-05-15”).

Option 2: Freezer Containers: Pack the scapes into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace (about 1/2 inch) to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date and contents.

Bonus Tip: For easier portioning later, consider freezing the pureed scapes in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily grab a cube or two whenever you need a little garlicky boost!

Tips for Using Frozen Garlic Scapes

Now that you have a stash of frozen garlic scapes, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Use	Description
Stir-Fries	Add chopped scapes to stir-fries for a burst of garlic flavor.
Pesto	Blend pureed scapes with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to make a delicious garlic scape pesto.
Soups and Stews	Stir chopped or pureed scapes into soups and stews during the last few minutes of cooking.
Dips and Sauces	Incorporate pureed scapes into dips like hummus or sauces like aioli.
Roasted Vegetables	Toss chopped scapes with roasted vegetables for added flavor.

Remember, frozen garlic scapes are best used within 6-12 months for optimal flavor. So, start planning your garlicky creations now!

So there you have it! Freezing garlic scapes is seriously simple and a great way to enjoy that garlicky goodness long after the season’s over. Now you can whip up pesto, stir-fries, and all sorts of yummy dishes with your frozen stash whenever the craving hits. Happy scape-ing!