Garlic scapes (stem/flower) are thin, vibrant green stalks that grow from the garlic bulb. The scapes first grow straight out of the garlic bulb, and then coil. They are long and curvy and often sold in bunches.
Garlic has two harvests: garlic scapes (stem/flower) are harvested in late spring and early summer, and then the bulbs are harvested later in the summer.
Garlic scapes (stem/flower) are included in the scope of the CanadaGAP program; however, they fall under a different crop grouping than garlic itself. Garlic scapes (stem/flower) are considered part of the leafy vegetable and cruciferae crop grouping, while garlic bulbs are considered under the bulb and root grouping. Operations being certified for garlic scapes (stem/flower) will therefore be required to follow any commodity specific requirements for leafy vegetables as part of their food safety program.
The CanadaGAP certificate will need to state if the scope of certification is garlic scapes (stem/flower) or garlic or both (if applicable).