You can use garlic buds (also known as scapes) in a variety of culinary applications, primarily by cooking them to tenderize their texture and mellow their flavor.
Ways to Use Garlic Buds
Here's a breakdown of how you can incorporate garlic buds into your cooking:
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Sautéing: Sautéing is a popular method for preparing garlic scapes. Add the buds to a pan a minute or two before the rest of the scape, as they can take slightly longer to become tender.
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Stir-fries: Include sautéed garlic scapes as part of a stir-fry dish alongside beef, chicken, or vegetables. Their garlicky flavor complements various ingredients.
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Quiches: Add sautéed garlic scapes to quiche for a seasonal spring dish. They provide a unique and fresh flavor profile.
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Pesto: Garlic scapes can be used to make pesto. Substitute them partially or entirely for basil to create a garlicky pesto.
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Pickling: Pickling garlic scapes preserves them and creates a tangy, flavorful condiment.
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Soups and Stews: Chop the garlic scapes and add them to soups and stews for added flavor.
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Grilling: Grill garlic scapes whole or in pieces for a smoky flavor.
Tips for Cooking with Garlic Buds
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Timing: Since the buds may be slightly thicker, giving them a head start in the cooking process ensures they become tender along with the rest of the scape.
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Flavor: Garlic scapes offer a milder garlic flavor compared to garlic cloves, so adjust your recipes accordingly.
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Storage: Store garlic scapes in the refrigerator for up to a week.
