How to Freeze Garlic Scapes

Learn how to freeze garlic scapes the easy way—no canning needed. Preserve their fresh flavor and texture with simple steps and tasty tips for using them later.

Garlic scapes don’t stick around long. They curl, they charm, and then they’re gone. But if you’ve got a bumper crop, you don’t have to let them go to waste.

Freezing garlic scapes is an easy way to enjoy their mild garlicky flavor all year long—no canning, no fancy prep required.

In this quick guide, I’ll show you how to freeze garlic scapes for the best texture and taste, plus tips on how to use them once they’re out of the freezer.

What Are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are the curly green flower stems that hardneck garlic sends up in early summer.

Knowing how to harvest garlic scapes not only helps your garlic bulbs grow bigger, but also gives you a flavorful, versatile green that tastes like a mix between scallions and garlic cloves.

Should You Freeze Garlic Scapes?

Yes, especially if you’ve harvested more than you can use fresh. Garlic scapes hold up well in the freezer and can be added to stir-fries, eggs, pestos, soups, and sautés.

Freezing is a quick and reliable method that keeps them close to fresh in both flavor and texture.

Do You Have to Blanch Garlic Scapes Before Freezing?

Blanching is optional—but recommended for best results. It helps preserve the color, texture, and flavor of the scapes during long-term storage.

When to skip blanching:

• If you’ll use them within 1–2 months
• If you’re freezing puréed scapes for pesto

When to blanch:

• For crispier texture in sautéed or roasted dishes
• If storing longer than 3 months

How to Freeze Garlic Scapes

Step 1: Wash and trim

Rinse garlic scapes thoroughly. Trim off any dry ends or flower buds.

Step 2: Cut into pieces

Slice into 1–2″ pieces for easy portioning.

Step 3: Blanch (optional)

Boil for 30 seconds, then transfer to a bowl of cold water for a few minutes. I blanched mine.

Step 4: Flash freeze

Drain and spread out on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid (1–2 hours).

Step 5: Store

Transfer to a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container. Label with the date.

Storage life: 6–8 months (blanched); 2–3 months (unblanched)

How to Use Frozen Garlic Scapes

Frozen garlic scapes can be used in so many cooked dishes—no need to thaw. Try them in:

• Stir-fries or fried rice
• Scrambled eggs or omelets
• Soups and broths
• Roasted vegetable mixes
• Homemade pesto or green sauces

Their texture will be softer after freezing, so they’re best used in cooked recipes rather than fresh salads.

FAQ: Freezing Garlic Scapes

Final Thoughts

Freezing garlic scapes is one of the easiest ways to stretch your harvest—and savor that garlicky goodness long after the season ends.

Whether you’re tossing them into soups or blitzing them into green gold pesto, frozen scapes are a homestead pantry staple worth stocking.