Did you know that over 70% of home gardeners throw away their garlic scapes, missing out on creating one of the most unique and flavorful preserves? Garlic Scape Jam is the hidden gem that transforms what many consider garden waste into a sophisticated condiment that rivals expensive artisanal spreads. This savory-sweet preserve combines the mild, garlicky flavor of scapes with wine and vinegar, creating a complex taste profile that will revolutionize your cheese boards and elevate your cooking game.
Ingredients List
Creating this exceptional Garlic Scape Jam requires simple, quality ingredients that work in harmony:
- 3 cups pureed scapes (the star ingredient – tender, curly green shoots)
- 1 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work beautifully; substitute with additional vinegar if preferred)
- ½ cup white wine vinegar, 5% acidity (essential for proper preservation and tang)
- 2 tsp black pepper, optional (adds warmth and complexity)
- ½ tsp dried oregano, optional (Mediterranean flair)
- ½ tsp dried basil, optional (aromatic enhancement)
- 1 box powdered pectin (1.75 oz or 6 Tbsp – Sure Jel recommended)
- 3½ cups sugar (balances the savory elements perfectly)
Substitution Notes: For a lower-sugar version, use pectin designed for reduced-sugar recipes. Fresh herbs can replace dried (use triple the amount). Apple cider vinegar can substitute white wine vinegar for a fruitier note.
Timing
This Garlic Scape Jam recipe is surprisingly efficient:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including scape processing)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Canning Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
This represents approximately 30% less time than traditional fruit jams, making it perfect for busy home preservers who want gourmet results quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Canning Setup
If preserving for long-term storage, start your hot water bath and sterilize jars. This ensures food safety and optimal shelf life for your Garlic Scape Jam.
Step 2: Process the Garlic Scapes
Wash scapes thoroughly under cold running water, then drain completely. Chop roughly before pureeing in a food processor or high-speed blender until you achieve a fine, consistent texture. The scapes should resemble a coarse paste.
Step 3: Measure and Combine Base Ingredients
Measure exactly 3 cups of pureed scapes into a medium non-reactive saucepan. Add 1 cup of dry white wine, stirring gently to combine. This wine base will enhance the jam’s complexity and provide necessary acidity.
Step 4: Initial Cooking Phase
Over medium-high heat, bring the scape-wine mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Prepare Sugar and Add Remaining Ingredients
Pre-measure your 3½ cups sugar and set aside – timing is crucial once pectin is added. Add vinegar, black pepper, oregano, and basil to the cooked scape mixture, stirring thoroughly.
Step 6: Incorporate Pectin
Add the entire package of powdered pectin to the mixture, stirring constantly until completely dissolved. This step is critical for proper gel formation.
Step 7: Achieve Rolling Boil
Increase heat to high and stir continuously until mixture reaches a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. This indicates the jam has reached the correct temperature for pectin activation.
Step 8: Add Sugar and Final Boil
Quickly add all pre-measured sugar, stirring vigorously to dissolve. Return to a full rolling boil and maintain for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly. Remove from heat immediately.
Step 9: Jar and Process
Skim any foam if desired. Working quickly, ladle hot jam into prepared jars, leaving ¼” headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe jar rims clean, and apply lids. Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes (15 minutes above 6,000 feet elevation).
Nutritional Information
Per 2-tablespoon serving of Garlic Scape Jam:
- Calories: 163
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 2g
- Total Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 203mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 29g
- Vitamin C: 7mg (12% DV)
- Calcium: 45mg
- Iron: 1mg
This preserve provides antioxidants from garlic scapes while remaining relatively low in fat and offering trace amounts of essential minerals.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform your Garlic Scape Jam into a healthier option with these modifications:
Reduced Sugar Version: Use pectin specifically designed for low-sugar recipes and reduce sugar to 1½ cups. Add stevia or monk fruit sweetener to taste.
Herb Enhancement: Double the dried herbs or use 1½ teaspoons each of fresh oregano and basil for increased antioxidant content.
Wine-Free Option: Replace wine with additional white wine vinegar plus ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth for depth without alcohol.
Spice Variations: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat, or 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for complexity while maintaining nutritional benefits.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Scape Jam elevates countless dishes:
Cheese Board Star: Pair with aged cheddar, goat cheese, or brie alongside crusty bread and crackers. The savory-sweet profile complements both mild and strong cheeses beautifully.
Meat Glaze: Brush over grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or lamb during the last few minutes of cooking for a gourmet finish.
Sandwich Spread: Transform ordinary sandwiches by spreading on focaccia with turkey, arugula, and tomatoes.
Pizza Enhancement: Use as a unique pizza base sauce, topped with caramelized onions and fresh mozzarella.
Appetizer Magic: Serve over cream cheese with crackers, or warm slightly and toss with roasted vegetables.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent these frequent Garlic Scape Jam pitfalls:
Under-processing Scapes: Inadequately chopped scapes create texture issues. Process until uniformly fine for best results.
Sugar Timing Errors: Adding sugar too early or at wrong temperature prevents proper gel formation. Wait for full rolling boil before sugar addition.
Insufficient Boiling: Not maintaining a true rolling boil for the full minute results in runny consistency. The mixture must boil vigorously throughout the final minute.
Overfilling Jars: Exceeding ¼” headspace prevents proper sealing. Measure headspace carefully for safe preservation.
Altitude Adjustments: Failing to adjust processing time for elevation above 6,000 feet compromises food safety.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Maximize your Garlic Scape Jam’s quality and longevity:
Unopened Storage: Properly sealed jars maintain peak quality for 18 months in cool, dry pantry conditions away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: Once opened, refrigerate immediately and use within 3 months for best flavor and texture.
Freezer Option: Freeze jam in smaller containers for up to 2 years. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before use.
Quality Indicators: Discard if you notice mold, off-odors, or changes in color or texture. Properly canned jam should maintain vibrant green color.
Conclusion
This Garlic Scape Jam recipe transforms often-discarded garden produce into a sophisticated preserve that enhances countless dishes. The combination of wine, vinegar, and spices creates complexity while the natural garlic scape flavor provides unique umami depth that sets it apart from traditional sweet jams.
Ready to create this gourmet treasure? Try this recipe and share your results in our comments below! Subscribe to our blog for more innovative preserving recipes that turn garden abundance into pantry gold.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Garlic Scape Jam without wine?
A: Absolutely! Replace the wine with equal parts additional white wine vinegar and low-sodium vegetable broth for similar flavor complexity.
Q: How do I know when my jam has reached the proper consistency?
A: The mixture should coat a spoon and hold its shape when dropped from the spoon’s edge. The full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down is your key indicator.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: It’s not recommended to double jam recipes as it affects pectin performance and cooking times. Make multiple single batches for best results.
Q: What if my scapes are tough or woody?
A: Use only the tender top portions of scapes, discarding any thick, woody stems. Young, fresh scapes work best for smooth texture.
Q: How long do garlic scapes stay fresh before making jam?
A: Fresh scapes keep in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in a plastic bag with air circulation holes.
Garlic Scape Jam Recipe: Savory-Sweet Preserve Magic
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–7 half-pint jars 1x
Description
This Garlic Scape Jam recipe transforms often-discarded garden scapes into a savory-sweet preserve. With wine, vinegar, and subtle spices, it creates a complex condiment perfect for cheese boards, glazes, sandwiches, and more.
Ingredients
- 3 cups pureed garlic scapes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar (5% acidity)
- 2 tsp black pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 1 box powdered pectin (1.75 oz / 6 Tbsp)
- 3 1/2 cups sugar
Instructions
- Sterilize jars and prepare hot water bath.
- Wash, drain, chop, and puree scapes until fine paste.
- Measure 3 cups puree into saucepan, add wine, simmer 3-5 minutes.
- Add vinegar, pepper, oregano, basil; stir well.
- Add pectin, stirring constantly until dissolved.
- Bring to full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
- Add all sugar quickly, stir to dissolve, return to rolling boil 1 minute.
- Remove from heat, skim foam if desired.
- Ladle into jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace, remove air bubbles, wipe rims, apply lids.
- Process jars in boiling water bath 10 minutes (15 minutes above 6,000 ft).
Notes
For lower sugar, use reduced-sugar pectin and sweeteners like stevia. Replace wine with vinegar + broth for alcohol-free option. Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 163
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 203mg
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
