Pickled Garlic Scapes: Easy No-Canning Summer Recipe

Pickled garlic scapes are a bold, crunchy, and tangy way to savor summer’s brief garlic scape season long after it’s passed. This no-canning method makes preserving these flavorful green shoots easier than ever. Whether you’re new to garlic scapes or just tired of making pesto, pickling opens up an entirely new world of possibilities. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what garlic scapes are, why you should be pickling them, and how to use them in everyday meals. Don’t miss our guide to preserving garden produce for more inspiration.

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What Are Garlic Scapes and Why Pickle Them?

Understanding Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes are the curly green flower stalks that grow from hardneck garlic varieties. These shoots emerge in late spring or early summer and are typically trimmed to help the garlic bulb develop underground. Visually, they look like a cross between green onions and spiraled vines, often with a small white or pale green bud on the end.

Taste-wise, garlic scapes offer a milder, fresher version of garlic’s bold flavor. They’re crunchy, aromatic, and versatile, making them a favorite among farmers’ market regulars and home gardeners alike.

Why Pickle Garlic Scapes?

Pickling is one of the easiest ways to preserve garlic scapes—and it’s also the most delicious. When pickled, scapes develop a satisfying crunch and a bright tangy flavor that balances out their garlicky bite. This transforms them from a niche vegetable into a flavor-packed condiment.

Beyond flavor, pickling allows you to stretch the short garlic scape season. While fresh scapes may only last a week or two in the fridge, pickled garlic scapes stay crisp and tasty in the refrigerator for up to six months.

They also make a unique, conversation-starting addition to anything from grilled dishes to cocktails. Discover great ideas like our quick-pickled onion recipe to explore even more DIY pickling options.

The Seasonality Factor

Garlic scapes are typically harvested once a year, between late May and early July depending on your region. Because of this narrow window, they’re considered a seasonal delicacy. You’ll most often find them at local farmers’ markets or CSA boxes rather than standard grocery stores.

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some, act fast! Fresh scapes can be stored in a produce bag in the fridge for up to two weeks. However, pickling them immediately locks in their freshness, texture, and vibrant flavor.

Looking for inspiration? Try our fermented garden vegetables for more ways to preserve your summer haul.

Easy Pickled Garlic Scapes Recipe (No Canning Required)

Ingredients and Equipment You’ll Need

Making pickled garlic scapes doesn’t require a canning setup or any special tools—just a few pantry staples and some clean jars. Here’s what you’ll need for two 32-ounce mason jars:

Ingredient	Amount
Garlic scapes (trimmed)	1 large bunch (~½ lb)
Apple cider vinegar	2 cups
Water	2 cups
Kosher salt	2 tablespoons
Raw sugar (or turbinado)	1 tablespoon
Whole peppercorns	½ teaspoon
Mustard seeds	½ teaspoon

Equipment:

• 2 sterilized 32-ounce wide-mouth mason jars
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or funnel (optional for mess-free pouring)

To sterilize jars, wash them in hot soapy water, rinse, and place in boiling water for 10 minutes or run through a dishwasher on a hot cycle. Don’t miss our quick guide to prepping jars safely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Garlic Scapes
Rinse and trim the garlic scapes. Remove any brown or dried tips and cut the stalks into pieces that will fit inside your jars. You can coil them into spirals or chop into 4-inch sticks depending on your preference.

2. Fill the Jars
Divide the trimmed garlic scapes between the jars. Add half the mustard seeds and peppercorns to each. Leave about ¼ inch of headspace at the top.

3. Make the Brine
In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil and stir until everything dissolves. This creates the tangy base that transforms the scapes.

4. Pour, Cool, and Refrigerate
Carefully pour the hot brine into each jar, covering the scapes completely but leaving that ¼ inch of space. Loosely cap the jars and let them cool at room temperature. Once cooled, tighten the lids and refrigerate.

Let them sit in the fridge for at least 2 weeks before tasting. For bolder flavor, wait up to 3–4 weeks. These pickled garlic scapes stay good in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Check out our refrigerator pickles tutorial to try more no-canning recipes like this.

Flavor Variations to Try

The recipe above is a perfect base, but garlic scapes love customization. Here are some simple twists to play with flavor:

• Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes, jalapeño slices, or a dash of cayenne for heat.
• Herbal Notes: Toss in fresh dill sprigs, bay leaves, or thyme for an herbaceous edge.
• Sweet & Tangy: Swap raw sugar for honey or maple syrup for deeper sweetness.
• Exotic Flair: Add coriander seeds, fennel, turmeric, or star anise for complex undertones.

Like flexibility in your pickles? Don’t miss our pickled carrots with ginger—another fridge-friendly favorite!

Ways to Use Pickled Garlic Scapes in Everyday Cooking

Garlic Scape Pairings and Serving Ideas

Once your pickled garlic scapes are ready, you’ll find endless ways to use them. Their sharp, tangy crunch makes them a natural fit for:

• Sandwiches and burgers: Slice and stack them like pickles on grilled burgers or deli-style sandwiches.
• Charcuterie boards: Add a briny bite to your board alongside olives, cheese, and cured meats.
• Salads and bowls: Chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss into grain bowls, potato salads, or leafy greens.
• Hot dogs and sausages: A zingy substitute for relish—especially tasty with spicy mustard and kraut.
• Pizza toppings: Use as a garlicky finishing touch on homemade flatbreads or pizzas.

They’re also a bold snack straight from the jar. Don’t miss our charcuterie board blueprint if you’re planning to include these in your next appetizer spread.

Creative Recipes Featuring Pickled Garlic Scapes

Looking to go beyond the basics? Here are a few clever ways to incorporate pickled garlic scapes into full dishes:

• Garlic Scape Deviled Eggs: Mash chopped pickled scapes into your egg yolk mix for a tangy twist.
• Tangy Potato Salad: Toss into a warm or cold potato salad for acidity and crunch.
• Loaded Grain Bowls: Top quinoa or rice bowls with diced scapes, avocado, beans, and a creamy dressing.
• Scape Aioli: Blend a few scapes into homemade mayo for a zippy dip or spread.
• Cocktail Garnish: Use as a garnish in Bloody Marys or dirty martinis for a bold finish.

Want more ideas like these? Discover great ideas like our flavor-packed homemade condiments for creative topping combinations.

Storage Tips and Shelf Life

Pickled garlic scapes last up to 6 months in the refrigerator when properly stored. Here’s how to make sure they stay fresh:

• Use clean utensils when scooping from the jar to avoid contamination.
• Keep the scapes submerged in brine at all times.
• Store in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally toward the back.

If you notice cloudiness, off odors, or a slimy texture, discard immediately.

Looking to stock up? Check out our bulk garlic buying tips for sourcing large quantities of garlic and scapes in season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickled Garlic Scapes

Conclusion: Why You’ll Always Want a Jar of Pickled Garlic Scapes on Hand

Pickled garlic scapes are the unsung heroes of the summer kitchen—bursting with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. With just a few ingredients and no canning required, you can preserve the best of garlic season and enjoy it for months to come. From sandwiches and salads to charcuterie and cocktails, these crunchy little curls add the perfect pop to just about anything.

Don’t miss our guide to quick refrigerator pickling to try other easy, flavor-packed recipes like this.

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