Homemade Garlic Scape Powder

In northern climates, gardeners grow what is called hardneck garlic because it thrives in cold temperatures. In late spring, hardneck garlic produces a leafless, curly, flowering stem called a scape. The scape itself is delicious, and can be used in many ways. Garlic scape powder is one of many ways I use garlic scapes, and while I love garlic powder and make my own, making scape powder is a much easier process.

The biggest difference between garlic powder and garlic scape powder is the color. Scape powder is a beautiful shade of green which fades to tan. And the scape powder is also a bit more mild than garlic powder.

Harvesting Scapes

Sometime in late spring, you’ll notice that your hardneck garlic plants are forming leafless stems. If left alone, they will produce a flower, and eventually seed. This scape is cut off the garlic plant allowing it to concentrate its energy on producing garlic bulbs.

When the scape begins to curl, you’ll know it’s time to cut it off. Check your patch daily, cutting the scapes from the plant.

If you don’t grow your own garlic, don’t despair, scapes are often available at farmer’s markets.

Dehydrating Garlic Scapes

The first step in making scape powder is to dehydrate the garlic scapes which have been cut into 1/2″ pieces. Simply spread them out on your dehydrator trays, set the dehydrator to 90°F, and dry for approximately 6 – 8 hours, until completely dry.

Next, condition your dehydrated scapes. This is a process that ensures that the moisture in your dehydrated food has even moisture levels so that mold will not form.

To condition your dehydrated garlic scapes, place them in a ziplock bag or glass jar that has extra room in it. Shake the bag or jar daily and look for signs of moisture – this might be condensation, or perhaps the scapes are sticking together.

If you observe any signs of moisture, return the scapes to your dehydrator for more drying time. After several days of no moisture you may move on to making your powder.

The Purposeful Pantry has a great article How to Condition Dehydrated Food if you are looking for more information.

Garlic Scape Powder

After thoroughly drying and conditioning your scapes, simply grind them in a blender, or spice or coffee grinder. Store the garlic scape powder in a glass container with a tight lid in a cool, dry place. It will keep for at least a year.

Use the powder in any way you would use garlic powder.

The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Vegetables by Angi Schneider Buy on Amazon

How to Use Garlic Scapes

Garlic Scape Infused Olive Oil

Lacto-Fermented Garlic Scapes

Garlic Scape Pesto or Dip

Homemade Garlic Scape Powder

Use the garlic scapes from your garden garlic plants, or from farmer's markets to make this simple garlic scape powder

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Keyword: garlic scape powder

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Dehydration Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh garlic scapes

Instructions

• Wash and dry your fresh garlic scapes.
• Chop the scapes into 1/2" pieces.
• Spread the chopped scapes onto dehydrator sheets.
• Dehydrate for 6 – 8 hours at 90°F.
• Condition the scapes (see instructions in post).
• Grind the thoroughly dried scapes into a fine powder.
• Store in a glass jar with tight lid in a cool, dry place for up to a year.