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. The major oilseeds grown in Canada are soybeans, sunflowers, canola and flax. In addition, experimental production of peanuts on a commercial scale began in 1981 in southwestern Ontario. Plant breeding experiments are underway at the Agriculture Canada Research station, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to develop an edible oil from mustard seed and a usable animal feed from the residue. The program involves reducing the content of 2 harmful substances, erucic acid and glucosinolate, which were formerly a problem in rapeseed oil.
The scientific name for canaryseed is Phalaris canariensis, and as the name would suggest, the crop originated in the Canary Islands Saskatchewan has become the worldâ??s leading producer and exporter of canaryseed, with the production used almost exclusively as a component of feed mixtures for caged and wild birds. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada estimates the value of Canadian exports at over $134 million in 2008 and nearly $90 million in 2009. The Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan is working to get canaryseed approved for human food uses. This is the main activity of the producer-funded commission. Some consumption of canaryseed is occurring in the health food market, especially in countries with a Hispanic population. Varieties There are two main types of canaryseed, itchy and hairless. About two-thirds of the Saskatchewan acreage is comprised of the itchy varieties, which have tiny, sharp hairs at the base of the seed. Hairless or glabrous varieties have been developed by Dr. Pierre Hucl of the University of Saskatchewanâ??s Crop Development Centre. Although these varieties make harvesting and processing more comfortable, many growers feel that the older itchy varieties provide higher, more stable yields and that has limited the uptake of the new varieties. The itchy varieties in use include Keet, Cantate and Elias. Elias pedigreed seed has not been produced in recent years. The glabrous varieties are CDC Maria and CDC Togo. Togo is the newer of the two and has better yields than Maria. Another glabrous variety called CDC Bastia has been registered, but no commercial seed was available for 2010. The bushel weight of itchy varieties is considered to be 50 pounds, while the glabrous varieties are typically calculated at 56 pounds per bushel. Canaryseed is not a regulated crop under the Canadian Grain Commission. There are no established grades and there are no licensing and bonding requirements for buyers.
Mustard seeds generally about 1 to 2 mm in diameter and may be coloured from yellowish white to black. Mustard seeds are a rich source of protein and oil. The seed has oil as high as 46-48%, and whole seed meal has 43-44% protein. It carries a healthy amount of minerals and vitamins. Canada grows three types of mustard seeds which are yellow, brown and oriental mustard seeds. Falvon exports supreme quality of Brown and Yellow Mustard Seeds and offers a reliable source of this commodity.
Mustard is one of the worldâ??s most important spice crops. Throughout history it has been adapted into many different cuisines by many different cultures. In more recent times, mustard has been increasingly used in food preparation for its unique properties. Mustard also has many applications outside of traditional food ingredient uses. Some types offer biological and insecticidal properties, and the oil can be used in the manufacture of bio-diesel and other industrial products. Canadian Mustard Production Mustard production began in western Canada in 1936 with 40 hectares grown in southern Alberta. At that time, the states of California and Montana monopolized production, but Canadian acreage increased because of higher yields and better quality. During the 1950s and 1960s, mustard production migrated east and today, Saskatchewan accounts for about 75 per cent of Canadian mustard production. The mustard plant is actually a member of the Brassica family. Other members include the cabbage, broccoli and Brussel sprouts. This family is well known for the nutritional benefits.
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. Canadaâ??s sunflowers are grown in southern Manitoba, southwestern Saskatchewan and the irrigated areas of southern Alberta. Production Sunflowers are very adaptable to the Canadian climate, capable of withstanding drought and wet conditions because of their deep tap root system. Production is limited in the northern prairies by the heat unit demands of most varieties. Most sunflowers are harvested in late September and October. Fall frosts are often required to dry down the sunflower heads, which are high in moisture. If an early snowfall occurs sunflowers can still be harvested, usually with no reduction in quality. Varieties Most conventional sunflower varieties are hybrids. The two main types grown are: Oilseed Sunflowers, which are black in colour and smaller than the Confection Sunflowers; and Confection Sunflowers, most of which are black or grey in colour with striping. Long, black seeds characterize long type confectionery varieties; round type varieties have shorter and rounder seeds, and are lighter in colour.
Canada produces over a dozen different types of beans and sells them both domestically and for export around the globe. Canada largest bean growing 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. Canadas 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.
