Greenmarket find: Garlic Scapes

These beauties have been at the Greenmarket for the past several weeks, looking like curlicued scallions. They are actually greens cut from the garlic plant, trimmed during early growth to promote the fleshing out of the garlic bulb below the soil. The raw scapes have a distinct, almost aggressive garlic taste and smell. When cooked, the scapes mellow considerably.

This knot of scapes is destined for a pasta. I'll slice them into one inch lengths, saute in olive oil and a little salt, then toss with linguine, basil leaves, and fresh grated parmigiano.