Garlic Scape Butter is a vibrant, aromatic spread made from the curly green shoots of young garlic plants. Packed with garlicky flavor but milder and greener than cloves, garlic scapes give this butter a unique, herby edge. This compound butter is incredibly versatile—perfect for melting over grilled meats, stirring into mashed potatoes, spreading on crusty bread, or tossing with roasted vegetables. It’s a seasonal treat that captures the essence of early summer and is easy to make in minutes.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup finely chopped garlic scapes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the chopped garlic scapes.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well with a fork or hand mixer until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- If desired, stir in fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for additional flavor and color.
- Transfer the butter to a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll into a log and twist the ends to seal.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
- Slice and serve as needed, or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 102
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin A: 355 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 3mg
- Iron: 0mg
Flavor Profile of Garlic Scape Butter
Garlic scape butter offers a beautifully balanced flavor that is both fresh and aromatic. Unlike raw garlic cloves, garlic scapes have a milder, grassy, and slightly sweet garlic taste that infuses the butter with a subtle pungency without overwhelming heat. The addition of lemon juice and zest adds a bright citrus note that complements the herbaceous quality of the scapes, making this butter lively and refreshing. The creamy texture of the butter melds perfectly with the crisp, fibrous bits of garlic scapes, resulting in a spread that is both smooth and pleasantly textured.
Health Benefits of Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes contain many of the same health-promoting compounds as garlic cloves, including allicin, which has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health. Garlic scapes are low in calories and fat, making the butter a flavorful way to enjoy some of garlic’s benefits without excessive calories. Incorporating garlic scapes into your diet may contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
How to Select and Prepare Garlic Scapes
When choosing garlic scapes, look for firm, bright green stalks that are free of blemishes or signs of wilting. Fresh scapes should snap easily when bent. Before chopping, wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Some tougher or woody ends can be trimmed away for a more tender texture. Chopping garlic scapes finely helps distribute their flavor evenly in the butter. For best results, use scapes that are freshly harvested, as older or dried-out scapes may lose their vibrancy and flavor.
Variations to Customize Your Garlic Scape Butter
This butter recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes. You can experiment by adding other fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for different herbal undertones. For a spicy kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely minced chili can be mixed in. To deepen the flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of smoked paprika. Dairy-free versions can be made by substituting butter with plant-based spreads, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Scape Butter
Garlic scape butter is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. It works beautifully melted over grilled steak, chicken, or fish, imparting a fresh garlic aroma and creamy richness. Spread it on warm crusty bread or fresh baguettes for a quick, flavorful appetizer. Toss it with steamed or roasted vegetables to add richness without overpowering their natural flavors. Swirling it into hot pasta or rice dishes is another easy way to incorporate its bright, garlicky essence.
Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Scape Butter
Because of its fresh and mildly pungent flavor, garlic scape butter pairs well with a wide range of foods. It complements grilled meats, especially beef and chicken, as well as seafood like shrimp and scallops. It also enhances roasted root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Serving garlic scape butter alongside crusty artisan bread or warm rolls is a classic pairing. For wine enthusiasts, it pairs well with light-bodied white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or dry rosé, which match the butter’s fresh and herbaceous notes.
Storage and Shelf Life Tips
To preserve the freshness and flavor of garlic scape butter, store it tightly wrapped in parchment paper or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about one week. For longer storage, freeze the butter in a rolled log wrapped in foil or airtight containers. Frozen garlic scape butter can last up to three months and can be sliced as needed. Thaw it in the refrigerator before use, or melt slices directly onto hot dishes. Avoid leaving the butter at room temperature for extended periods to prevent spoilage.
Nutritional Considerations
While garlic scape butter adds rich flavor to meals, it is still a butter-based product and should be consumed in moderation due to its saturated fat content. Each tablespoon contains around 100 calories and 7 grams of saturated fat. However, by using fresh garlic scapes, this butter provides additional vitamins and antioxidants that traditional butter lacks. For those monitoring sodium intake, adjusting the added salt in the recipe can help tailor it to dietary needs. Overall, it is a flavorful way to add complexity to dishes without relying on processed sauces.
Seasonal Availability and Sourcing Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are typically available in late spring to early summer when garlic plants begin to send up their flower stalks. This short season makes garlic scape butter a special treat that celebrates the freshness of early summer produce. They can often be found at farmers markets or specialty grocery stores during this time. If fresh scapes are unavailable, some gardeners grow their own garlic to harvest scapes, or alternatively, mild green garlic shoots may be substituted in a pinch.
Culinary History and Cultural Uses
Garlic scapes have been used traditionally in various cuisines around the world, particularly in East Asian and Eastern European cooking. They are valued not only for their flavor but also for their nutritional benefits. The practice of making compound butters to add flavor to dishes dates back centuries in European cuisine, and garlic scape butter is a modern twist on this tradition. This recipe highlights how seasonal and sustainable ingredients can be creatively incorporated into everyday cooking.
Conclusion
Garlic scape butter is a delightful and versatile spread that brings the fresh, herbaceous flavor of garlic scapes into any meal. Its balance of creamy richness and bright, garlicky notes makes it a perfect addition to grilled dishes, breads, vegetables, and more. With its seasonal appeal and easy preparation, garlic scape butter is a simple way to elevate your cooking while enjoying the health benefits and unique taste of this underappreciated ingredient. Whether you make it to celebrate early summer or simply to add new flavors to your kitchen repertoire, this compound butter is sure to become a beloved staple.