A bold, fresh twist on a classic spread — from Leipers Creek Farm.

Garlic scapes are the curly green shoots that grow from hardneck garlic plants in late spring and early summer. They have a mild, garlicky flavor that's perfect for pesto — less sharp than garlic cloves, but still packed with flavor. This pesto is vibrant, versatile, and a delicious way to use this seasonal treasure from the farm.

Ingredients

• — 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped (about 8–10 scapes)
• — ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• — ½ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
• — ⅓ cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds)
• — Juice of ½ lemon
• — Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add garlic scapes and nuts to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse again.
3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Farmer's Tip

For a milder flavor, blanch scapes for 30 seconds before blending.

How to Use Garlic Scape Pesto

• — Toss with pasta for a quick, flavorful meal
• — Spread on sandwiches or wraps
• — Use as a dip for fresh vegetables or crackers
• — Drizzle over grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables
• — Stir into soups for extra depth of flavor
• — Mix into scrambled eggs or omelets

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning and longer storage (up to 3 months).