Description

Elephant Garlic Scapes

Elephant garlic scapes are the young unfurled seedpods that form on hard neck garlic plants in June. When in season they are sold through farmer’s markets and a few specialty stores. This delicious stalk has a taste that is milder than mature garlic. Once sauteed, the scapes have a light garlic flavor with the texture of asparagus.

Other Names: Elephant garlic tops, giant garlic scapes, giant garlic tops

Season: April-August

Origin: Oregon, USA

Shelf Life: Elephant garlic tops will stay fresh for up to two weeks. To ensure you get the most life out of them, rinse and scrub the elephant garlic tops lightly under cool water and dry on a clean dish towel. Wrap loosely in plastic wrap or put in a paper bag and store in the fridge.

Nutritional Facts:  Garlic scapes are great for your diet with only 45 calories and 11 carbohydrates in every 100 grams. The same amount of scapes contains 100% of your daily Vitamin K, 50% of your daily Vitamin C and Vitamin B9, about 28% of your daily Vitamin B6, as well as smaller amounts of several other nutrients*. Garlic scapes have about the same nutritional benefits that regular garlic does. Garlic has been called a natural antibiotic (though it’s not a substitute for them when they are necessary to fight serious infections). It fights against bacteria and viruses associated with colds and flu. It may also be helpful in alleviating candida yeast conditions. There are many home remedies involving garlic, for various ailments including toothaches, coughs, earache, warts, congestion, and skin infections. Furthermore, it triggers the liver to release toxins from the body while protecting the liver from harm. Garlic is great for clearing out and maintaining healthy lungs and stomach.

Tips: Elephant garlic scapes are used in everything from soups to salads to garnishes and stir-fries. They are popular in Southern American, Eastern European and Korean cuisine for their subtle garlic flavor, tender-crisp texture, and nutritional potency. They are also are very versatile, able to replace garlic, scallions, ramps or onions in almost any recipe. Pesto is a favorite.

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*Daily values are based on a 1,800 calorie per day diet.