Harvesting Garlic Scapes and How to Preserve Them for Winter

It is finally time to harvest the garlic scapes! This is the first big batch of many things we will be preserving for winter. We are going to store these garlic scapes 2 ways, by freezing and by drying them. Both methods are simple, so you can enjoy that sweet, mild garlic flavor all year long! 🌿 WHY HARVEST GARLIC SCAPES? · Removing scapes forces the plant to put all its energy into growing larger bulbs · Harvest at the right time: when scapes are tender, fully extended, and beginning to curl · Use a sharp knife or shears to cut at the base, being careful not to damage leaves ─── ❄️ FREEZING GARLIC SCAPES (2 EASY WAYS) Option 1: Freeze Raw · Wash and pat dry · Chop into 1–2 inch pieces or blend to a mush · Spread on a baking sheet or in small balls and freeze until solid, then transfer to a labeled freezer-safe bag · Use straight from the freezer—no need to thaw Option 2: Blanch First (for better color & texture) · Blanch chopped scapes for 30–60 seconds in boiling water · Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking · Drain, dry, and freeze as above ─── 💨 DRYING GARLIC SCAPES (FOR PANTRY STORAGE) Dehydrator Method: · Wash and blend scapes · Arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays · Dry at 125–135°F for 6–12 hours, until completely brittle Oven Method: · Set oven to lowest setting (140–170°F) with door slightly open · Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet · Dry for 2–4 hours, flipping halfway · Check often—scapes are ready when they snap easily Garlic Scape Powder: Once fully dried, blend in a spice grinder or high-speed blender until fine. Store in an airtight jar for up to a year. ─── 📦 STORAGE TIPS · Dried scapes: Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place—up to 6–12 months · Frozen scapes: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, remove as much air as possible—keeps up to 12 months · Fresh scapes (short-term): Keep unwashed in a loose bag in the crisper drawer for up to a month ─── 🍳 WAYS TO USE PRESERVED SCAPES · Add frozen scapes directly to soups, stir-fries, and pasta · Use dried scapes as a seasoning or rehydrate for stews · Make garlic scape pesto or compound butter and freeze for later · Sprinkle garlic scape powder on roasted veggies, popcorn, or eggs ─── #GarlicScapes #GarlicHarvest #FoodPreservation #FreezingGarlicScapes #Dehydrating #GardeningTips #Homesteading #WinterStorage #GrowYourOwnFood #PreservingTheHarvest