Preserving Garlic Scape Pesto

Preserving garlic scape pesto for consumption throughout the year is easy to achieve. Preserving pesto, like this garlic scape pesto recipe, allows the scape harvest used in a manner other than eating it fresh. Freezing pesto is one of the many methods for storing this delightful food item long-term.

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Preserving Garlic Scape Pesto

In order for the garlic bulb to reach maturity it is best to allow all the plant’s energy to be on the bulb. When hardneck garlic plants produce a flower, the scape, the energy is then redirected to the scape and no long the bulb.

To redirect the energy back to the bulb the scapes must be removed. And luckily, the garlic scapes are edible. The scapes contain a mild garlic flavor making them ideal to cook with.

However, the ability to preserve these once a year garlic flowers is a treat for those who have the knowledge. In addition to preserving garlic scape pesto try one of these methods:

• Lacto-fermented Garlic Scapes 
• Canning Pickled Garlic Scapes 
• Garlic Scapes Infused in Olive Oil with Recipes

Preserving Pesto

A traditional basil pesto is made using basil, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice. However, I encourage you to try my recipe for making basil pesto. Enjoy the flavor of traditional pesto with a few variations to the original recipe.

Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe and Preserving

Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe

Much like the flavor of fresh garlic cloves, garlic scapes have the same spicy kick as fresh garlic. Not quite as intense, but just as delicious. Make sure to scroll towards the bottom to see the many methods for preserving pesto.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh garlic scapes (roughly 24 scapes)
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 lemons, juiced

Equipment

• reasonably priced food processor
• silicone spatula
• measuring cup
• large silicone ice-cube molds, 2 pint size (or 4 1/2-pint mason jars), or large baking sheet
• my book, The Farm Girl’s Guide to Preserving the Harvest

Preserving the Harvest – My New Book

Instructions

1. Remove the woody end of garlic scapes and set aside.
2. Slice scapes crosswise, add to food processor. Pulse for 30 to 40 seconds. Scrape scapes down into the bowl.
3. Add sunflower seeds, pulse for 15 seconds.
4. Next, add olive oil and Parmesan cheese, pulse for an additional 15 seconds.
5. Finally, add cilantro and lemon juice. Pulse until the desired consistency is achieved.
6. See below on how to store this garlic scape pesto recipe long-term.

Notes

1. Reserve the woody ends for making bone broth or soups.
2. The consistency of this type of pesto is chunkier than a traditional basil pesto, but just as delicious.

Printable Recipe – Preserving Garlic Scape Pesto

To make things easier, enjoy this printable recipe card for your convenience!

Preserving Pesto 

Freezing pesto is an excellent way to preserve it long-term. When stored properly it keeps between 6 to 12 months. There are three methods in which to freeze pesto with each being equally effective.

Silicone Ice-cube Molds

The first method is to freeze it in silicone molds or ice-cube trays.  Once frozen remove the pesto from the tray and store in vacuum sealed bags for up to 12 months.

Mason Jar

When filled properly, freezing pesto in a mason jar is ideal. The trick is to allow room for the garlic scape pesto to expand within the jar. Leaving a 3-inch headspace allows room for expansion.

Baking Sheet

When making a large batch, the best way to freeze the pesto is on a cookie sheet. Spread the freshly made pesto evenly onto the cookie sheet, place into the freezer. Once frozen, break the frozen pesto into smaller pieces and vacuum seal for long-term storage.