A garlic scape is the spiral stem/stalk that grows from the centre of bulbs of hardneck garlic plants, garlic scapes are edible! Once you cut a garlic scape off the plants energy will now go to increasing the bulb size.
How To Cut
It's best to cut when the scapes are just beginning to poke above the leaves - this way they will be tender enough to eat fresh. Cut the stalk as far down as possible, without cutting any leaves off. * Just be sure when cutting not to cut the leaves off the plant, each leaf is a potential protective layer around the garlic bulb in the soil. Waiting until the centre stock completely forms and grows above the rest of the plant will just make the garlic scape hotter and tougher. As it grows it will curl or spiral upwards and eventually straighten out - this is also a sign that the garlic bulb is getting close to the harvest stage.
Garlic scapes taste just like garlic so they can be used in exactly the same way as garlic, which is a win/win when growing garlic! Use the scapes roasted, sautéed, pickled or you can even grill the entire stocks to serve as a side dish. Garlic scapes keep well in a plastic bag, in the fridge for about 2-3 weeks.
They also look great in a flower arrangement, just be sure to change the water out daily!