When garlic scapes show up at the local market or in your garlic patch, it's a sure sign that summer is well underway. This recipe for pickled garlic scapes (refrigerator pickle) allows you to preserve the bounty to enjoy throughout the summer months and into fall and winter.
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What are garlic scapes?
In early summer, hardneck varieties of garlic send up a scape (round stalk with the garlic flower attached at the tip). The scape will grow upwards and then begin to curl forming a loop or S shape.
This garlic scape can be harvested and used in preparations such as this recipe, or they can be grilled, turned into pesto or added soups and salad dressings.
Ingredients
This is a rather simple refrigerator pickle recipe and you will only need the following ingredients:
- Garlic scapes
- White distilled vinegar
- White sugar
- Kosher or pickling salt
- Black peppercorns
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
This is a rather easy and quick recipe and should come together in 15 minutes.
- Wash and sanitize a 500 ml (1 pint) jar such as a canning or Mason jar.
- Trim scapes and pack tightly into jar. You can cut the scapes into pieces or leave them whole.
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, peppercorns and chili flakes if using. Simmer to dissolve and let cool slightly.
- Pour pickling mixture over packed scapes and tap jar to release air bubbles. Ensure the scapes are submerged. Screw lid on.
- Refrigerate and let pickle for 1-2 weeks.
Substitutions and variations
This pickling recipe is based on my standard refrigerator pickle recipe. It is easy to make, adaptable and customizable. You can use a different vinegar such as:
- Apple cider vinegar
- White wine vinegar
- Rice vinegar
- Red wine vinegar
- Champagne vinegar
Feel free to leave the garlic scapes whole or chop them up. The choice is yours.
Equipment
I recommend making this refrigerator pickle in a mason jar, but any glass container will work. Do not use any metal or plastic containers as they may react with the vinegar in the pickling solution.
Glass will not react with the vinegar and is a safe, affordable and aesthetically pleasing option.
Storage
This recipe is not intended to be canned (water bath) or stored in the pantry. Refrigerate your pickled garlic scapes to ensure they do not spoil. Consume within 6 months for optimal freshness.
Other Pickling and Preservation to Try
If you make this Garlic Scape Refrigerator Pickle recipe or any other preservation recipe on Urban Farm and Kitchen, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It’s such a help to others who want to try the recipe.
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Recipe Card
Garlic Scape Refrigerator Pickle
Ingredients
- 15-20 Garlic Scapes - Can be chopped or kept whole
- ½ cup Vinegar - White, White Wine or Apple Cider
- ½ cup Water
- 2 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pickling or Kosher salt
- 3 Black Peppercorns - Whole
- Pinch of chili flakes - Optional
Instructions
- Wash and sanitize a 500 ml (1 Pint) canning jar
- Trim scapes and pack tightly into jar
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, peppercorns and chili flakes if using. Simmer to dissolve and let cool slightly.
- Pour pickling mixture over packed scapes and tap jar to release air bubbles. Ensure the scapes are submerged. Screw lid on.
- Refrigerate and let pickle for 1-2 weeks
Josie says
Thank you for this. Have so many scapes and need to save them.
Luay says
Amazing!