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knowledge.domain = commodity, key = garlic(GDF v2.0, 3279 attributes, 28 sections).Renderer:
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Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Garlic |
| Scientific name | Allium sativum |
| Family / Genus | Amaryllidaceae / Allium |
| Produce category | Allium |
| Produce subcategory | Bulb Vegetable |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 4608 |
| PLU — organic | 94608 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_3189 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 600.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California Early | 35% | Softneck variety, white skin, excellent storage life (6-9 months), strong flavor, most widely grown commercial variety in US, produces large bulbs with 12-16 cloves, mild to medium pungency |
| California Late | 25% | Softneck variety, white skin, very long storage (8-10 months), later maturity than California Early, strong flavor, excellent for braiding, 10-14 cloves per bulb |
| Gilroy | 15% | Softneck variety from Gilroy, California (garlic capital), white skin, excellent commercial production, good storage (6-8 months), medium-strong flavor, 12-15 cloves |
| Italian Red | 8% | Artichoke type softneck, purple-striped skin, rich flavor, moderate storage (5-7 months), 8-12 large cloves, popular in specialty markets, slightly milder than white varieties |
| Spanish Roja | 4% | Hardneck rocambole type, deep purple-red cloves, full robust flavor, shorter storage (4-6 months), 8-12 cloves, cold hardy, popular at farmers markets |
| Music | 3% | Hardneck porcelain type, large bulbs with 4-7 very large cloves, white to light purple skin, strong flavor, moderate storage (5-7 months), cold hardy, increasing commercial production |
| German Extra Hardy | 2.5% | Hardneck porcelain type, excellent cold hardiness, white skin with purple blush, robust flavor, 4-6 very large cloves, moderate storage (5-6 months), popular in northern regions |
| Inchelium Red | 2% | Softneck artichoke type, pale skin with red blush, mild to medium flavor that intensifies in storage, 10-20 cloves, good storage (6-8 months), adaptable to various climates |
| Chesnok Red | 1.5% | Hardneck purple stripe type, beautiful purple-striped skin, rich full flavor when cooked, 8-10 cloves, moderate storage (5-7 months), cold hardy, specialty market favorite |
| Elephant Garlic | 1% | Actually Allium ampeloprasum (leek family), very large bulbs, mild flavor, 4-6 very large cloves, white skin, moderate storage (4-6 months), niche market product |
| Asian Tempest | 1% | Turban type hardneck, early maturing, purple-striped wrappers, 6-10 cloves, strong flavor, short storage (3-5 months), specialty Asian markets |
| Nootka Rose | 1% | Hardneck silverskin type, beautiful rose-purple color, strong complex flavor, 6-10 cloves, moderate storage (5-6 months), excellent for Northwest growing conditions |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: null°F.
- Freezing point: 30.5°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 1 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | very_low |
| Production rate (20°C) | 0.2 μL/kg·h typical (0.1–0.3) |
| Sensitivity class | very_low |
| Sensitivity threshold | null ppm |
| Climacteric? | No |
Agent note: Garlic produces minimal ethylene and is not sensitive to it. Main issue is powerful sulfur compound emissions (allicin, diallyl disulfide) that will taint other commodities. Never mix with ethylene-sensitive produce due to odor transfer, not ethylene effects.
Mixed-load compatibility
allium_high_odor
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? No
- Light-sensitive? Yes
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Growing steadily driven by health awareness, ethnic cuisine popularity, and culinary trends; increased consumer interest in specialty varieties like black garlic and organic garlic
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.65 |
| Income elasticity | 0.25 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -0.42 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| California Early | 35% |
| California Late | 30% |
| Silverskin | 15% |
| Artichoke | 10% |
| Creole | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Pack sizes
- 30 lb cartons
- 22 lb cartons
- 10 lb cartons
- 5 lb bags
- 3 lb bags
- 1 lb consumer packs
- 2 oz clamshells
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
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