These are garlic scapes.  They are the blossom buds on foot long stems, all curled around.

 

I had to cut them yesterday, because I read that they draw energy away from the developing garlic bulbs.  AND they are edible!!!  Altogether, I collected about 40 scapes.  

 

We've never cooked scapes before, so I had to look up how to cook them.  Funny, before I knew how to use them, I was quite generous with a few friends.  Now that we've eaten them ourselves, I'll probably be a bit more stingy, since they only bloom once per season.  

 

We cooked them like you do asparagus or tender young green beans.  They turned out to be delicious, mild garlic flavor with a tender crunch.  I added them to a pasta salad, yummy!!!

 

I said this before in my garlic article, but you really should try planting your own garlic.  It doesn't take up that much space, and the whole process is delightful!!!

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!