Pickled Garlic Scapes Or Garlic Whistles Food

PICKLED GARLIC SCAPES

Steps:

• Trim the garlic scapes by cutting off any dried ends then chop into lengths to fit into the mason jars you're using.
• Arrange scapes in the jars leaving about 1/4" headspace at the top and add peppercorns and mustard seeds.
• Combine apple cider vinegar, water, salt and sugar in a medium sauce pot. Bring to a boil and stir until salt and sugar dissolve.
• Pour the brine into the jars making sure the garlic scapes are completely covered with the liquid. Loosely fit the lids onto the jars and leave out on the counter until room temperature.
• Once cooled, tighten lids and place in the refrigerator to pickle for at least 2 weeks before using.

PICKLED GARLIC SCAPES

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Trim the garlic scapes, curl them up, and place them in a pint jar with a tight-fitting lid. We like to truly stack them on top of one another to make them pretty, and then fill in the center space with more tightly curled scapes, but you can also cut the scapes into bite-sized pieces and then just pile them in.
• Work the chile, if you're using it, into the jar with the garlic scapes. Tuck it in the center, or work it in along the side of the jar so you can see it. (This is especially useful if you're making more than 1 pint and some have chile and some don't.)
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the vinegar, salt, and sugar with 1 cup of water to a simmer. Cook, swirling the pan if necessary until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
• Pour the warm vinegar mixture over the garlic scapes in the jars to cover them (you may not use all of the vinegar mixture), but leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top (between the top of the liquid and where the lid will be). Screw the lid on the jar. Let it sit until cool, then store it in the refrigerator for at least four weeks and up to six months to let the flavors blend and the garlic scapes to "pickle." The pickles will get more tender over time, but their flavor will stay garlicky strong.

PICKLED GARLIC SCAPES OR GARLIC WHISTLES

Steps:

• Wash garlic scapes and remove blossoms and any woody ends. Cut each scape into 2-3 sections.
• Bring 3-4 quarts of water to a boil. Blanch scapes for 2 1/2-3 minutes in boiling water. Drain & dump into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again & add to a clean quart jar.
• Add water, vinegars, salt, sugar & pickling spice to small saucepan. Bring to a boil.
• Add peppercorns & mustard seed to jar with scapes.
• When brine has come to a boil remove from heat and pour over scapes in the jar.
• Add lid and allow to come to room temperature. Refrigerate for 3 days before eating. Will last about a month refrigerated. Could also be sealed in a water bath for longer term storage (but I've not tried this). [Update: I've had some of these in the fridge for almost exactly a year and they are noticeably softer but otherwise are just fine.].

PICKLED GARLIC VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Bring the vinegar, wine, sugar, spices, bay leaf and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add the garlic cloves and simmer 5 minutes.
• Pack the carrots, fennel wedges and fronds, radishes and garlic scapes, if using, in a quart-size jar.
• Pour the hot liquid over the vegetables. Let cool; cover and refrigerate at least overnight (preferably 48 hours).

EARLY GARLIC GREENS (GARLIC SCAPES)

Steps:

• Trim garlic greens by cutting the top (pointy end) to within 1/2" of bud. There will be 6"-8" of green below bud.
• Greens may be cut into any preferred length as you would with green beans. (I like to leave them long because they are beautiful and fun.).
• Steam in steamer basket over boiling water approximately 8 minutes. Time may vary depending on size of green, so test at 5 minutes and adjust time accordingly.
• Remove from steamer and place in serving bowl.
• Toss with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve warm or cold.