When garlic scapes appear at the farmers’ market or in your garden, it’s a clear sign summer has arrived. This recipe for pickled garlic scapes is a refrigerator pickle that preserves their bright, garlicky flavor so you can enjoy them throughout summer and into the cooler months.
Table of Contents
- What are garlic scapes?
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Substitutions and variations
- Equipment
- Storage
- Other Pickling and Preservation to Try
- Garlic Scape Refrigerator Pickle Recipe
What are garlic scapes?
In early summer, hardneck garlic varieties send up a scape — a round stalk that ends in the garlic flower. The scape grows straight and then curls into a loop or S-shape. Harvesting scapes encourages the plant to focus energy on the bulb, and the tender stalks are excellent for cooking and preserving.
Garlic scapes can be grilled, blended into pesto, added to soups and dressings, or preserved with this simple pickling method.
Ingredients
This easy refrigerator pickle requires just a few pantry staples:
- Garlic scapes (15–20, chopped or left whole)
- White distilled vinegar (or apple cider/white wine vinegar)
- Water
- White sugar
- Kosher or pickling salt
- Whole black peppercorns
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
This recipe comes together quickly — about 15 minutes active time. Follow these steps:
- Wash and sanitize a 500 ml (1 pint) jar such as a Mason or canning jar.
- Trim the scapes and pack them tightly into the jar. You may leave them whole or cut them into pieces to fit.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp pickling or kosher salt, 3 whole black peppercorns, and a pinch of chili flakes if using. Heat gently until the sugar and salt dissolve, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Pour the pickling liquid over the packed scapes, tapping the jar to release any air bubbles. Make sure the scapes are fully submerged, then screw the lid on.
- Refrigerate and let the scapes pickle for 1–2 weeks before eating for best flavor.
Substitutions and variations
This basic brine is flexible. Swap the vinegar for apple cider, white wine, rice, red wine, or champagne vinegar to change the flavor profile. Add aromatics like a garlic clove, mustard seeds, or a bay leaf for extra complexity. You can leave the scapes whole for long strips in sandwiches or chop them for use as a tangy garnish.
Equipment
A glass jar is ideal for refrigerator pickles. Avoid metal or plastic containers, which can react with vinegar. Mason jars are inexpensive, nonreactive, and attractive for storing and gifting pickles.
Glass won’t react with the brine and is both safe and visually appealing for storing pickles.
Storage
These are refrigerator pickles, not shelf-stable canned goods. Store the sealed jar in the fridge and consume within six months for the best texture and flavor.
Other Pickling and Preservation to Try
Condiments
Pistachio Pesto (with Basil and Mint)
Condiments
Spring Pea Pesto (with Mint and Arugula)
Condiments
Arugula Pesto with Almonds
Condiments
Maple Peach Chutney
If you try this Garlic Scape Refrigerator Pickle recipe or any other preservation recipe on Urban Farm and Kitchen, please consider rating and leaving a comment — feedback helps others decide which recipes to try.
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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 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp 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 them tightly into the jar.
-
Combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, and chili flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer until the sugar and salt dissolve, then remove from heat and let the brine cool briefly.
-
Pour the brine over the scapes, tap the jar to release air bubbles, ensure the scapes are submerged, and seal the jar.
-
Refrigerate and let the scapes pickle for 1–2 weeks before using.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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