garlic scapes

Week 3: garlic scapes, radishes, spinach, head of lettuce, baby lettuce, broccoli, baby beets, green onions, kale, chard

What are they?
Garlic scapes are the green shoots that grow out of the middle of the garlic bulb. This shoot is harvested when it is tender and curved. If the shoot is not cut, it will straighten out, grow tough and flower. Harvesting the scapes serves two purposes. 1) It forces the plant to put more energy into growing the bulb instead of the shoot and flower. 2) It makes for another edible part of the garlic plant.

What do they taste like?
My understanding is that they taste like garlic, but with less bite and more fresh leafy green taste. I read somewhere that the taste relative to garlic is similar to green onions/scallions to onions. I have yet to taste them myself, as I haven't decided what to make with them yet.

How are they used?
Most of the recipes I found online were for pesto, which seems to be the most common use. However, it looks like you can also use them in place of garlic.