02 vegetables (ccpr) 017 stalk and stem vegetables (vs) (ccpr) Stalk and stem vegetables are the edible stalks, leaf stems or immature shoots, from a variety of annual or perennial plants. Although not actually belonging to this group, globe artichoke (the immature flowerhead) of the family Compositae is included in this group. Depending upon the part of the crop used for consumption and the growing practices, stalk and stem vegetables are exposed, in varying degrees, to pesticides applied during the growing season. Stalk and stem vegetables may be consumed in whole or in part and in the form of fresh, dried or processed foods. requires discussion