Our Commitment To Fresh Garlic Scapes

Garlic is a year-round category, but the Canadian garlic season begins in mid-June with the arrival of garlic scapes.

What are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are the tender, curly flower stalks of hardneck garlic plants. Harvested by hand in early summer, they are removed so the plant can direct its energy into producing larger, higher-quality bulbs. Once considered a by-product of garlic production, scapes have become a sought-after seasonal ingredient valued for their mild garlic flavour, versatility, and nutritional benefits.

While garlic bulbs have a strong or sharp flavour, fresh garlic scapes taste mildly garlicky, slightly sweet, and herbaceous. That means, you can use more of them without overpowering a dish. They are low-calorie and nutrient-rich.

The Garlic Box has helped to introduce fresh Ontario garlic scapes to a broader retail audience, supplying wholesalers, retailers, and foodservice customers across Ontario.

While garlic scapes have long been popular at farmers’ markets, growing consumer interest in local and seasonal foods has created new opportunities for retailers to offer fresh, farm-grown products.

Useful in the Kitchen

Garlic scapes are one of the most versatile seasonal vegetables because they work both raw and cooked. They can be enjoyed in salads, omelettes, stir-fries, soups, dips, pesto, and on the grill (like asparagus). Generally, anywhere you'd use garlic, green onions or chives, scapes can be be replaced.

Their unique appearance and fresh flavour make them a distinctive seasonal offering.

Long Lasting

Another advantage is their excellent shelf life, remaining fresh for typically up to three weeks when refrigerated in a bag or container.

Freezing chopped scapes can extend their life up to a year!

Health Benefits

Packed within only 3-5 garlic scapes (100g) is a wealth of nutrients:

	Amounts (per 100g)	Adult Daily Value	Benefits
Vitamin C	19 mg	21%	Supports Immune Function, produces collagen and acts as an antioxidant
Potassium	200-360 mg	4-8%	Supports muscle function, nerve signaling and maintains fluid balance
Calcium	50-90 mg	4-7%	Supports bone and tooth maintenance, muscle contraction and normal cellular function
Fibre	2,000-4,500 mg	7-16%	Supports digestive health, increases fullness and contributes to overall dietary quality
Iron	1.9 mg	11%	Supports transportation of oxygen through the body
Magnesium	24 mg	6%	Supports metabolism and muscle & nerve function
Phosphorus	37 mg	3%	Supports bone and cellular function

Supporting Ontario

Experience has shown that consumers who actively seek local, seasonal ingredients are especially receptive to garlic scapes. Independent retailers and specialty food markets have been particularly successful in introducing customers to this unique Ontario-grown crop, helping build awareness of garlic beyond the traditional bulb.

Supporting this growth is a strong commitment to supplying Ontario-grown garlic throughout the year. The Garlic Box works closely with growers and industry partners to ensure a reliable supply of fresh garlic and value-added garlic products. Investments in production, storage, processing, and packing capabilities have helped strengthen the province’s garlic sector and improve access to locally grown garlic for retailers and consumers alike.

As Ontario’s garlic industry continues to develop, collaboration among growers, wholesalers, and retailers remains essential. Increased availability of locally grown garlic helps strengthen food security, supports Ontario agriculture, and gives consumers greater access to fresh, high-quality products grown close to home.

By late summer, Ontario garlic harvests are in full swing, with fresh bulbs appearing in stores and at markets across the province. Together with garlic scapes, these seasonal products highlight the quality and versatility of Ontario-grown garlic.

The Garlic Box has been dedicated to growing awareness and demand for garlic in all its forms. We continue to focus on providing fresh Ontario garlic and garlic scapes to wholesale, retail, and foodservice customers throughout the province, helping build a sustainable future for Ontario’s garlic industry.