Garlic as we all know is one of the few crops that are planted during the rainy season. Ahead of this year, one can simply plant a clove, cover it with mulch, and it will be ready for harvest during the dry season.
Once the harvest is done, clean the bed, and plant another crop in the same bed that was cleaned. It is always interesting to grow one’s own garlic. This pungent bulb adds flavor to countless recipes and is so healthy.
All you have to do is plant it during the rainy season, and you will be greatly rewarded in the dry season. Moreover, it is very crucial to know the type of garlic for climate change and cooking.
HARVESTING GARLIC SCAPES
In late June, after the scape has grown about two turns, we harvest it. In fact, as soon as the bud appears, you can harvest the scape. Just above the leaves, cut the stem at the bottom.
We choose the escape after two turns since it is two turns longer than it was after one turn! We get twice as much from the same plant with this technique!
Garlic scapes must be picked before they straighten out, because once they do, they become harsh and stringy and are no longer fit for consumption.
If you grow hardneck garlic, the scapes are definitely of interest in addition to the bulbs.
If you don’t grow them yourself, it can be difficult to find fresh garlic scapes, a very underrated vegetable. But when are they actually ready to be harvested? A stem made of wood will develop if you wait too long. Prior to ascending, garlic scapes twirl and whirl a number of times.
To avoid tough, fibrous scapes, harvest garlic scapes at any time before they make their first
turn although they may require more time to simmer to become tender or be used to flavor stock, more mature scapes are still edible.
Harvest the garlic scapes even if you don’t consume them to direct more energy toward the underground bulb growth.
Depending on when you planted your garlic and the weather where you live, garlic scapes will start to grow. The first garlic scapes usually appear around June in temperate climates in the northern hemisphere, by which time your garlic plants have developed several sets of leaves and are well-established.
Most hardneck garlic types produce garlic scapes. You probably won’t receive garlic scapes if you planted soft neck garlic or garlic from the grocery store.
Garlic scapes start off as little shoots that emerge from the top of the plant, but as they develop, they begin to twist and turn. Upon reaching full maturity, they will turn upward and straighten.Garlic scapes can be easily harvested.
The bottom of the scape can be broken off with your hand or by using a pair of sharp scissors. You don’t need to bother about checking on your garlic every week for new scapes because hardneck garlic will only produce one scape.
After tasting these tasty morsels, you won’t ever question what a garlic scape is. Your culinary memory will be permanently etched with the flavor of the young, delicate garlic with recipes to come. In sauces, stews, and soups, use garlic scapes.
They can be quickly added to spaghetti by sautéing them or slicing them into salads. Make a tasty pesto out of them or use them to season meals like fish. These tasty shoots are simply too nice to throw away.
