Fresh Garlic

Green garlic, which is the immature plant, has not been cured for winter storage so it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. It should last for up to two weeks stored in a crisper. The green tops should be cut off the fresh garlic before storage. Fresh garlic is milder than mature cloves so feel free to use a healthy dose in cooking. Fresh garlic is also easy to peel. Cut off the dried core end of the clove and using the tip of a knife, lift up the skin to remove.

Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes

Garlic scapes are the flower top off hardneck garlic. They look like a long green pencil that smells of garlic. The entire scape is edible, but there can be a tough section at the base of the yellowish-white blossom that can use more cooking time. The green stems are most commonly cut into small pieces and cooked. Cut before the plant starts to fully flower, the scapes provide a mild fresh garlic flavor that is great added to any dish where you would use a garlic clove. The sugar content is a bit higher so fresh scapes are best added towards the end of cooking to avoid any burning or bitter flavor. The scapes need to be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and are best used fresh since they do not store like whole garlic bulbs. Garlic scapes are mild in flavor so you can add extra when substituting for garlic cloves. Scapes are a great addition to breakfast scrambles and stir fries.

Garlic Bulbs

Keep in a cool, dry place for best results. If you notice any bulbs starting to soften, use them first.

Garlic Seed Heads

Garlic seed heads are perfect for adding to pickles or for grilling. To grill, wrap the entire head in aluminum foil with a little oil and grill until soft to touch. Grilled garlic goes well with anything. Once cooked, push the small garlic bits out of the skin, or if using raw in pickles, make sure to remove the peel first. Garlic seed heads will do well stored in a cool, dry spot,