I harvest my scapes when they are about 12" to 18" long and they are positively delicious! You can stir fry them in a little oil & salt or grill them. I shake mine in a plastic bag with some extra virgin olive oil, salt, and curry, then toss them on the grill until they are about half browned. Woooow!

Leaving the scapes on will result in smaller bulbs for most varieties but does not affect the flavor.

I'll be enjoying my first scape dinner of the season today!

TomNJ

try garlic scape pesto, or toss on the top of a beef roast. We stir fry the little nuggets in the seed head too. I am not so sure removing the scapes really makes a difference? I have left them on in a few rows and noted no difference in size. I still tend to remove most as time allows, force of habit i reckon?

Harvested the scapes from my hardneck yesterday and was inspired to pickle them ala dilly green beans. I have HIGH HOPES for them and will let you know how it goes when they have had time to cure.