Garlic escape: nutrition, properties and uses in the kitchen

Garlic scape is a versatile and nutritious ingredient. In this space we tell you what its benefits are and how you can integrate it into your diet.

The garlic scape is the stem that appears during the development period of the plant. In particular, it is a structure that arises from the bulb before its maturation. In botany it is known as “floral scape”, since it is devoid of leaves and has flowers.

Although it is usually removed from the garlic to help it mature and not lose its strength as it grows, it is an interesting gastronomic option. It can be included in sauces, stir-fries and even stews. which are your main benefits? Here we detail them.

Garlic scape nutritional information

One of the reasons to take advantage of the garlic scape in cooking is its nutritional qualities. Each 200 gram cup is estimated to contain the following:

• 9 grams of protein.
• 3 grams of fiber.
• 42 grams of carbohydrates.
• 42.6 milligrams of vitamin C.
• 250 milligrams of calcium.
• 23 milligrams of sodium.
• 2.3 milligrams of iron.

Benefits of garlic scape

Due to its content of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutritional compounds, Garlic scape is associated with certain health benefits. Next, we detail the most relevant.

1. Helps prevent infections

Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is a substance with antibiotic, antifungal, and antiparasitic qualities. In fact, it is capable of fighting parasites such as amoebas and the Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. It also helps inhibit fungi that cause breathing difficulties.

2. Control cholesterol levels

Garlic compounds they have the ability to reduce total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Even its intake seems to help raise the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and suppress the synthesis of bad cholesterol (LDL).

HDL is considered good cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from the blood. It is also distinguished as “high-density cholesterol.” For its part, LDL is low-density cholesterol and can accumulate in the arteries. This is associated with a higher probability of suffering from coronary diseases.

3. Antioxidant effect

Compounds generated by the body during daily activities are capable of stimulating the accumulation of free radicals. These are substances that cause oxidative stress in cells, which is associated with diseases and premature aging.

Due to its concentration of antioxidants, garlic scape could be useful to reduce these effects. Research suggests that its components help curb the production of free radicals. It even promotes the increase of an antioxidant called superoxide dismutase, which is produced by the body’s cells.

4. Strengthens the immune system

Garlic scape contains large amounts of vitamin C. This nutrient helps stimulate the functions of leukocytes. The latter are the cells of the immune system that They help fight infections and other diseases.

One of its most important functions is the production of cells. natural killer, that belong to the innate immune system. It is the body’s primary defense system against foreign substances.

It also helps in tissue maintenance and in the formation of skin and epithelial barriers. With that, It prevents the passage of antigens and microorganisms through the intestine.

5. Reduces the duration of the common cold

Vitamin C has the ability to reduce the duration and severity of the common cold. This is because they help T cells, which are part of the immune system, to fight disease.

uses in the kitchen

It is a versatile dish in the kitchen. You can make them in sauce, grilled, in soup, raw, as aromatics, in pesto and in hummus.

Garlic and basil pesto

• I escape garlic.
• Basil leaves.
• Salt.
• Walnuts.
• Extra virgin olive oil.
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

• Put the garlic scape, basil and salt in the food processor. It should be a thick mixture.
• Slowly add olive oil while blending. Stop the process and scrape down the sides of the container.
• If it’s too thick, you can slowly add more olive oil. Add the cheese, if you prefer. Keep in mind that a thicker pesto will form. So if you want it fluid, don’t add it.
• Add the nuts to your preference and blend at high speed until completely chopped. This will also change its texture.
• Before serving, it is recommended to refrigerate it. In case you are not going to use it in the next few hours, you can cover it with olive oil and put it in an airtight container.

To take into account!

Garlic scape is considered non-toxic. Nevertheless, its consumption in excess can cause stomach irritation in people with a sensitive digestive system. Similarly, in a few cases it can trigger some type of allergy. Consume it in moderation and take advantage of its properties.

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