Garlic scapes are the shoot and the seed pod of the hard neck garlic plant. If left on the plant, the seed pod would grow into a bulb much like the root bulb of garlic. This is undesireable because it competes with the nutrients and the bulb of garlic will be wimpy. So the farmer cuts that off and we get to eat it!
Use garlic scapes like you would green onion, or cut into 2 inch strips and sauté like green beans. The flavor is a bit milder than bulb garlic, especially when cooked. It also makes a great pesto with pecans, olive oil and cheese. Enjoy!