Garlic scapes are the curling flower stalks that grow from mature garlic (Allium sativum) plants before the bulb finishes forming; growers typically cut them off in early summer so the plant's energy goes into the bulb, and the scapes become a bonus ingredient. They are not the same as garlic chives (a separate species, Allium tuberosum) or garlic sprouts (young garlic shoots harvested earlier in the season) - a scape is specifically the flower stem of a maturing garlic plant. They taste like a milder, greener version of garlic with a hint of onion, and the whole scape is edible. They are used chopped into stir-fries, pickles, pesto, and compound butters, or grilled and roasted whole like a vegetable.