Garlic Scape Microgreen Compound Butter

What is a Scape?

The word “scape” comes from the Latin word “scapus” meaning “shaft” or “stem”.

In botany, a scape is a long, leafless flower stalk that rises directly from the ground or a rhizome.

Where Do Garlic Scapes Come From?

In late spring, hardneck varieties of garlic send up a flower stalk which is called a garlic scape because they grow directly from the ground, not as a ‘branch’ like many flowering plants do. The scapes are removed from the growing garlic in late spring or early summer so that the energy is redirected to growing the garlic bulb larger.

With a mild garlic flavor, the scape is used in many dishes as a lovely vegetable or a superb flavoring. Garlic scapes can be found at farmer’s markets, upscale grocers, and online- but only during a one month period of the year. Freezing them for use during other months is recommended. Cut the scapes in one-inch pieces and freeze in a sealed container in the freezer.

Compound Butter

Compound butter is butter that has been softened and mixed with other ingredients, such as herbs, spices, or flavorings, to create a flavorful spread. In this version of compound butter, we blend softened butter with garlic scapes, lemon zest, and flavorful microgreens. It is a perfect combination for garlic bread, to top steak, or to add to freshly cooked pasta. Adding microgreens in this original recipe is the pièce de ré·sis·tance, adding subtle flavor tones as well as nutrients.