Farm Fresh Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe

Garlic scapes are a seasonal treat you’ll find in your CSA box and our market. By using every part of the plant, from bulb to shoot, you help reduce waste and support a more circular, resilient food system. So next time you're browsing your neighborhood farmers' market, scoop up a bunch of these vibrant green spirals and give this pesto a try. It’s a simple, delicious way to celebrate the season.

Ingredients

1/4 pounds garlic scape

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)

1/4 cup pine nuts (or pistachios)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup freshly shredded Pecorino cheese or other hard, flavorful grating cheese

Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Scapes

   Begin by trimming off the root ends of the garlic scapes. Chop them into smaller pieces to make it easier to clean and blend. Rinse thoroughly under cool water and dry them well.

   
   

2. Sauté for Sweetness

   In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped garlic scapes with the vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, just until the scapes are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool to room temperature.

   
   

3. Blend the Base

   In a food processor or blender, pulse the pine nuts or pistachios until finely chopped. Transfer them to a small bowl. Next, add the cooked garlic scapes to the processor and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. While the motor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a bright green paste.

   
   

4. Finish with Cheese & Seasoning

   Pulse in the grated cheese and chopped nuts. Taste your pesto and adjust with more salt if needed.

Many of our CSA members enjoy these fresh ingredients in their weekly boxes but you can also find them at the FED on-site market, open Wednesday to Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Swing by to support local and experience the best of urban agriculture.