Cannabis Infused Garlic Scape Pesto: A Seasonal Twist on a Classic
Welcome, friends! In today’s episode I dove into a recipe that’s close to my heart and my taste buds: garlic scape pesto. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to get creative with seasonal ingredients, experiment with cannabis infusions, and savour the joys of summer (or bring a little summer into the depths of winter).
In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about garlic scape pesto, from what garlic scapes are, to how to infuse your pesto with cannabis, to storage tips and creative uses. I’ll also share some personal stories and expert advice to help you make the most of this vibrant, versatile condiment.
Listen to this episode:
Table of Contents
Why Garlic Scape Pesto?
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Ingredient Deep Dive & Substitutions
How to Make Garlic Scape Pesto (Step-by-Step)
Cannabis Infusion: Safe, Effective, and Customizable
Storage, Nutrition, and Pro Tips
Creative Ways to Use Garlic Scape Pesto
Join the Bite Me Community
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Why Cannabis Infused Garlic Scape Pesto?
Let’s be honest: pesto is a kitchen MVP. It’s quick, endlessly adaptable, and brings a punch of flavor to everything from pasta to sandwiches. But why garlic scapes? For me, it’s about celebrating what’s fresh and local. Garlic scapes are a fleeting treat at the farmer’s market, and their mild, grassy garlic flavor is a revelation—especially if you find raw garlic a bit too aggressive.
Plus, pesto is the perfect vehicle for cannabis infusion. The olive oil base makes dosing easy and consistent, and the bold flavors mask any herbal notes from your infusion. Whether you’re a seasoned edible maker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
If you’ve never seen a garlic scape, picture a long, curly green bean with a pointed tip. These are the flower stems of hardneck garlic plants, harvested in late spring or early summer. Here’s why they’re special:
Flavour Profile: Milder than garlic cloves, with a fresh, grassy note reminiscent of scallions. When cooked, they become dense and almost meaty.
Culinary Versatility: Use them anywhere you’d use green onions, chives, or garlic. Think stir-fries, omelets, vinaigrettes, pizzas, compound butters, and, of course, pesto.
Sustainability: Once considered a byproduct, garlic scapes are now prized for their flavour and nutritional value. Harvesting them helps the garlic bulb grow bigger, much like how cannabis growers focus energy on bud production.
Pro Tip: Always trim off the bulb at the end and any tough stems. Give them a good rinse, but they’re usually pretty clean.
Ingredient Deep Dive & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic garlic scape pesto, plus my expert notes and substitution tips:
Garlic Scapes: The star of the show. Use 8 scapes, chopped.
Fresh Basil Leaves: About 1 cup, packed. If you’re short on basil, try spinach, arugula, or even carrot tops for a twist.
Nuts: 1/2 cup walnuts are traditional, but I often use almonds or cashews. Pine nuts are classic but pricey don’t stress if you skip them, the alternatives work just as well.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated. For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast or a plant-based hard cheese.
Salt: Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon brightens everything up.
Olive Oil: 1/2 cup, plus more as needed. This is your infusion base if you’re adding cannabis.
Note: Don’t be afraid to improvise! I’ve swapped nuts and greens based on what’s in my fridge, and the results are always delicious.
Garlic Scape Pesto – pdf recipe
How to Make Cannabis Infused Garlic Scape Pesto (Step-by-Step)
Prep the Scapes: Trim off the bulbs and any tough ends. Chop into 1-inch pieces for easier blending.
Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add garlic scapes, basil, nuts, parmesan, salt, and lemon juice.
Pulse: Blend until everything is coarsely chopped.
Add Olive Oil: With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. Some like it chunky, others smooth—your call!
Taste & Adjust: Add more salt, lemon, or oil as needed.
Expert Insight: The flavor is garlicky but gentle, so you can use this pesto generously without overpowering your dish.
Cannabis Infusion: Safe, Effective, and Customizable
Here’s where the magic happens! Infusing your pesto with cannabis is easy, but dosing is key.
How to Infuse
Infused Olive Oil: Make a batch of cannabis infused olive oil (I have a dosing calculator on my website to help you get it right).
Mix & Match: You don’t have to infuse the whole batch. Add a measured amount of infused oil to individual servings for precise dosing. Perfect if you’re sharing with friends who want different experiences.
Label Everything: If you infuse the whole batch, label it clearly. No one wants a surprise high!
Dosing Tips
Start Low, Go Slow: Especially if you’re new to edibles or sharing with others.
Use Dropper Bottles: I keep separate bottles for CBD and THC oils, making it easy to customize each serving.
Avoid Guesswork: “Fucking around and finding out” is not a dosing strategy! Use my calculator and keep notes.
Storage, Nutrition, and Pro Tips
Storage: Garlic scapes keep for weeks in the fridge. Store in a loose plastic bag in the crisper, or for longer, trim the roots, dry, wrap in paper towels, and seal in a bag.
Pesto Storage: Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze in ice cube trays for single servings.
Nutrition: Garlic scapes are a great source of protein, vitamin C, and calcium. Pesto is a delicious way to sneak more greens into your diet.
Pro Tip: Always label infused foods, especially if you have kids or roommates. Safety first!
Creative Ways to Use Garlic Scape Pesto
Don’t stop at pasta! Here are some of my favorite ways to use this pesto:
Grilled Meats: Brush on chicken, steak, or fish for a garlicky, herby finish.
Eggs* Swirl into scrambled eggs or top a frittata.
Sandwich Spread: Try it on grilled cheese, burgers, or wraps.
Veggie Dip: Mix with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a quick dip.
Pizza Base: Use instead of tomato sauce for a fresh, green pie.
My Challenge: Try it on a grilled cheese and let me know what you think!
Join the Bite Me Community
Podcasting can be a bit lonely, which is why I started the Bite Me Cannabis Club, a supportive space for edible enthusiasts to connect, share recipes, and learn together. If you haven’t checked it out yet, join us here.
Pair this with these episodes:
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Garlic scape pesto is more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of seasonal eating, creative cooking, and the joys of cannabis infused cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned edible maker or just pesto-curious, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own.
I’d love to hear from you:
How are you using garlic scape pesto?
What should I make next?
Got a cannabis cooking question or a stoner trivia tidbit? Drop me a line!
That’s it for this week friends. Please email me any questions, comments, pictures of your creations or anything else, I love hearing from listeners! Direct messages to stayhigh@bitemepodcast.com, or the podcast hotline.
You can also support the show by subscribing, sharing episodes, leaving a review or buying me a cookie! Whatever way you choose, I’m grateful that you’re listening.
Stay high,
Margaret
Timestamps
Introduction & Episode Overview (00:00:05)
Margaret introduces the episode, the topic of cannabis infused garlic scape pesto, and the seasonal context.
Summer Reflections & Family Anecdotes (00:01:13)
Margaret shares personal stories about summer, her daughters, and the joys of living close to family.
Dog Ownership & Life Choices (00:03:01)
Discussion about not owning a dog, helping with her daughters’ pets, and enjoying her current lifestyle.
Stoner Trivia: Cannabis History (00:04:03)
Margaret presents a cannabis-related trivia question about marijuana use during World War II.
Upcoming Interviews & Cannabis Club (00:05:14)
Teases interviews with Steve Stacey and Wesley Holloway, and promotes the Bite Me Cannabis Club.
What Are Garlic Scapes? (00:07:22)
Explains what garlic scapes are, their origin, and their role in garlic farming.
How to Use Garlic Scapes (00:09:29)
Describes the flavor, texture, and various culinary uses for garlic scapes.
Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe Introduction (00:10:26)
Introduces the cannabis infused garlic scape pesto recipe and its versatility in different dishes.
Recipe Ingredients & Simplicity (00:11:25)
Lists the ingredients for cannabis infused garlic scape pesto and emphasizes the recipe’s simplicity.
Ingredient Substitutions & Infusing Olive Oil (00:12:22)
Discusses substituting nuts, the cost of pine nuts, and how to infuse olive oil for edibles.
How to Make Cannabis Infused Garlic Scape Pesto (00:14:14)
Step-by-step instructions for preparing and blending the pesto, with tips on dosing and consistency.
Creative Uses & Dosing Advice (00:16:16)
Suggestions for using cannabis infused garlic scape pesto, advice on dosing, and reminders about labeling and safety.
Storage Tips & Nutritional Value (00:17:59)
How to store garlic scapes, their nutritional benefits, and encouragement to eat more greens.
Closing Thoughts & Serving Suggestions (00:18:55)
Wrap-up, additional serving ideas, and invitation for listener feedback.
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