Oil Seeds
Oilseed Crops are grown primarily for the oil contained in the seeds. The oil content of small grains (eg, wheat) is only 1-2%; that of oilseeds ranges from about 20% for soybeans to over 40% for sunflowers and rapeseed (canola). The major world sources of edible seed oils are soybeans, sunflowers, rapeseed, cotton and peanuts. Seed oils from flax (linseed) and castor beans are used for industrial purposes. Edible fats and oils are similar in molecular structure; however, fats are solid at room temperature, while oils are liquid.
Peas
Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of peas. Peas are also Canada’s largest pulse crop and are grown over a very large geographic area, including significant portions of the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.Canada grows primarily yellow and green peas. Smaller quantities of maple, marrowfat and Austrian winter peas are also grown. Canadian peas are exported around the world as an ingredient for food processors and canners. Split and whole peas are available as well as pea flour, starch, protein and fibre fractions.
Lentils
Canada is now the world’s largest exporter of lentils to the global marketplace, selling to over 100 countries each year. The most commonly grown lentils are the large green “Laird” and the red lentil.Several processing steps take place in Canada, including the dehulling, splitting and milling of red and green lentils. Green lentils are also found in canned form. The final product can be used in a variety of foods and in many regions of the world are sold to the consumer in dry form. Lentils are also commonly used as ingredients by the food industry In soups and stews or are re-hydrated for canning.
Sunflower Seed
The sunflower is the only oilseed native to the northern Great Plains of North America. Sunflowers have been grown commercially in Canada since the early 1940s. Production has expanded with the development of higher yielding hybrid varieties, new pesticides and improved crop management techniques. More and more, sunflowers are becoming a viable alternative to grains in the southern parts of the Canadian Prairies. Canada’s sunflowers are grown in southern Manitoba, southwestern Saskatchewan and the irrigated areas of southern Alberta.
Beans
Canada produces over a dozen different types of beans and sells them both domestically and for export around the globe. Canada’s largest bean growning areas are located in the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. Beans are also grown in Alberta and Quebec as well as smaller quantities in the Province of Saskatchewan. Canada’s largest bean crop is white pea bean (navy bean). Canada also grows significant quantities of pinto, cranberry, black, dark red kidney, light red kidney, great northern, dutch brown, pink, small red and faba. Small quantities of Azuki, Kintoki and Otebo beans are grown under contract.
Chickpeas
Canada grows mostly kabuli chickpeas, also known as “garbanzo beans”. We also grow the smaller desi chickpea. Chickpeas are grown in the southern portions of the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Chickpea flour and split desi chickpeas are available from Canadian suppliers and used in many ethnic food products around the world. Some pastas, baking mixes and snack foods contain chickpea flour where it enhances the nutritional value of these products by boosting fibre and protein content.
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