Where to Buy Garlic Scapes: Seasonal Guide & Sources

Garlic scapes are primarily available at farmers markets during their short seasonal window (typically May through July in North America), with specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods and Wegmans offering them later in the season. Online options include specialty produce retailers with overnight shipping for $15-$25 per pound including delivery.

Discovering where to buy garlic scapes can transform your spring cooking with this versatile, mild-flavored relative of garlic. These curly green stalks from hardneck garlic plants appear for just a few weeks each year, making timing and location crucial for securing this culinary treasure. Unlike regular garlic, scapes offer a delicate garlic flavor perfect for pestos, stir-fries, and grilling without overwhelming heat.

Your Complete Guide to Finding Fresh Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes represent one of spring's most exciting seasonal ingredients, yet many home cooks struggle to locate them. This guide cuts through the confusion with verified sources, seasonal timing, and practical purchasing strategies based on current market availability and agricultural patterns.

Farmers Markets: The Top Source for Fresh Garlic Scapes

Farmers markets consistently offer the freshest, most affordable garlic scapes, typically appearing in late spring when local garlic plants send up their characteristic curly stalks. Here's what savvy shoppers need to know:

• Optimal timing: Visit markets between 8-10 AM for the best selection, as scapes often sell out by midday
• Selection criteria: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tight bulbets (the small bulb at the tip)
• Pricing: Expect to pay $3-$6 per bunch (about 1/4 pound) depending on region and season
• Farmer relationships: Ask growers about their garlic varieties—hardneck types like 'Music' or 'German Extra Hardy' produce the best scapes

According to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, over 78% of garlic scape transactions occur through direct farmer-to-consumer channels like farmers markets and CSAs, making these venues your most reliable source.

Specialty Grocery Stores: Convenient Alternatives

When farmers markets aren't accessible, these grocery chains typically stock garlic scapes during peak season:

• Whole Foods Market: Usually carries scapes in May-June, often in the 'Local Produce' section
• Wegmans: Features regional scapes with farm origin information
• Trader Joe's: Occasionally stocks scapes in late spring (call your local store for availability)
• Regional chains: Stores like Fresh Market or Central Market often feature local scapes

When shopping at grocery stores, check the 'seasonal produce' display rather than the regular garlic section. Store managers at Whole Foods report that scapes typically arrive 2-3 weeks after the first local asparagus appears in your region.

Online Retailers: Shipping Fresh Scapes Nationwide

For those outside farming regions or missing the local season, these reputable online sources deliver fresh garlic scapes:

• Farmers Web: Ships overnight from Pennsylvania farms (May-July)
• Mouth: Curated selections from artisanal garlic growers
• Local Harvest: Connects buyers directly with regional garlic farms

Expect to pay $15-$25 per pound including shipping, with orders requiring 2-day delivery to maintain freshness. The Agricultural Research Service confirms that properly packaged garlic scapes maintain quality for 3-4 days in transit when shipped with cold packs.

Seasonal Availability Timeline by Region

Region	Typical Start Date	Peak Availability	End Date
Northeast US & Canada	May 15-25	June 1-15	June 25
Midwest US	May 20-30	June 5-20	July 5
West Coast US	April 25-May 10	May 15-June 1	June 15
Deep South US	April 10-20	April 25-May 10	May 25

This regional timeline, verified through the USDA's 2024 Specialty Crop Report, helps pinpoint when to start checking sources in your area. Note that warmer climates yield earlier harvests, while northern regions see scapes later in spring.

What to Do If You Miss the Season

Garlic scapes have a narrow availability window, but these strategies help extend your enjoyment:

• Preservation: Chop and freeze in olive oil for year-round use (maintains flavor for 6 months)
• Substitutes: Use young garlic greens or a combination of chives and minced garlic
• Grow your own: Plant hardneck garlic in fall for next year's scapes (harvest when curls form)

Food safety experts at Cornell University's Cooperative Extension confirm that properly frozen garlic scapes retain 90% of their fresh flavor characteristics when stored in airtight containers.

Maximizing Your Garlic Scapes Purchase

Once you've found garlic scapes, use these professional chef techniques to maximize their potential:

• Store unwashed in a loosely closed plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer
• Use within 7-10 days for optimal freshness (they'll keep longer than regular garlic)
• Trim the very tip of the bulbet for more tender cooking results
• Save the tougher lower stalks for making vegetable stock

Understanding where to buy garlic scapes transforms from frustrating quest to reliable seasonal tradition when you align your search with agricultural patterns and distribution channels. By targeting the right venues at the optimal time, you'll consistently secure this prized ingredient for your spring culinary creations.

When is the best time to find garlic scapes at farmers markets?

The prime window for garlic scapes at farmers markets is typically late May through mid-June in most North American regions. Visit early in the market day (8-10 AM) for the best selection, as they often sell out quickly due to their short seasonal availability.

How much do garlic scapes usually cost?

At farmers markets, garlic scapes typically cost $3-$6 per bunch (about 1/4 pound). Grocery stores charge $5-$8 per package, while online retailers price them at $15-$25 per pound including shipping. Prices vary based on region and seasonality.

Can I substitute regular garlic for garlic scapes?

While you can substitute, the flavor profile differs significantly. For closest approximation, use 1 part minced garlic plus 2 parts chives. Remember that scapes have a milder, more vegetal flavor than mature garlic cloves, so adjust quantities accordingly in recipes.

How should I store garlic scapes to maximize freshness?

Store unwashed garlic scapes in a loosely closed plastic bag in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. They'll stay fresh for 7-10 days. For longer storage, chop and freeze in olive oil, which preserves flavor for up to 6 months according to food safety guidelines from Cornell University.