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SPECIAL CROPS
Soyabeans
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Soybeans are a crucial oilseed crop, cultivated for both human consumption and as a high-protein meal used in animal feed. In Saskatchewan, moisture and heat are the primary factors affecting soybean production. While soybeans are grown throughout Eastern and Western Canada, they are more heavily concentrated in the East.
China is the largest importer of Canadian soybeans, followed by Algeria and various countries in the Middle East and Asia. Some soybeans from Eastern Canada are shipped to food markets in Asia and Europe, while the majority of soybeans from Western Canada are exported to the U.S. for processing.
Mustard Seeds
Canada is a leading global exporter and the second-largest producer of mustard seeds. The country produces and exports various types, including Brown Mustard, Yellow Mustard (also known as White Mustard), and Oriental Mustard, all noted for their vibrant colors. Canada consistently meets global demand, producing between 140,000 and 300,000 metric tons of mustard seeds annually.
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Yellow or White Mustard - is widely recognized as the primary ingredient in traditional North American hot dog mustard and as a pickling spice. It is known for its mild flavor and minimal heat.
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Brown Mustard - features a dark brown seed coat and is commonly used in making Dijon-style mustards. It is often blended with yellow mustard to create English-style mustard.
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Oriental Mustard - also known as Brassica juncea, has a golden yellow seed coat. It is predominantly used in Asian cuisines, particularly in Japan, where it serves as a condiment.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds have been commercially grown in Western Canada since the 1940s, with Manitoba being the leading producer. There are two main types of sunflowers cultivated:
1. Oil Sunflowers: These seeds are black and are primarily used to produce sunflower oil.
2. Confection Sunflowers: These seeds come in black or gray with striping and are used for human consumption.
Over the past decade, Canadian sunflower seed production has more than doubled to meet growing international demand. Sunflowers thrive in a warm, frost-free growing season. Larger non-oil sunflower seeds are sold as snacks or baking ingredients, while smaller seeds are marketed as birdseed. The oil extracted from sunflower seeds is widely consumed, and the remaining sunflower meal is a high-protein byproduct used in livestock feed.
Canary Seeds
Originating from the Canary Islands, canary seeds are primarily grown in Saskatchewan, which has become the world’s leading producer and exporter. These seeds are mainly used in feed mixtures for caged and wild birds. Canada contributes nearly 80% of global canary seed production and 90% of world exports, with the total export value typically around $100 million annually. The unique climate of the Canadian Prairie provinces makes them exceptionally productive for growing canary seed.
There are two main types of canary seeds: itchy and hairless. Most of the canary seed acreage in Saskatchewan consists of itchy varieties, which are characterized by tiny, sharp hairs (spicules) on the hull. While hairless or glabrous varieties make harvesting and processing easier, the older itchy varieties tend to yield slightly more. Canadian canary seeds with the hairless trait are marketed under the name Canario®.
Oilseeds : Canola & Rapeseeds
Canola is widely cultivated in Canada, Europe, Australia, and parts of the United States. The plant produces small yellow flowers that develop into pods, similar to pea pods. Inside each pod are tiny black seeds rich in trans-fat-free oil. After harvesting, the seeds are crushed to extract the oil, which is then processed for use in cooking and food products. The remaining protein-rich solids are further processed into high-value animal feed. Additionally, canola oil is now used as a feedstock for renewable fuels.
Rapeseed, the precursor to canola, is known for its edible oil with health-promoting properties. The rising demand for biodiesel has increased rapeseed oil production. While canola and rapeseed plants are similar in appearance, canola was specifically bred from rapeseed to have much lower levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates—substances that make rapeseed oil less desirable. To qualify as canola, the oil must contain less than 2% erucic acid.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat, a well-established special crop, has been cultivated in central Canada since the 1960s. Approximately 70% of Canadian production comes from Manitoba, with the remainder from Ontario and Quebec. Renowned for its high biological value protein, buckwheat is considered one of the best plant sources for essential amino acids.
Canadian buckwheat production is expected to grow due to the development of new varieties and rising consumption in both Canada and the United States. Canada is a global leader in buckwheat breeding research, with the world’s largest buckwheat research station located in Manitoba. Buckwheat is highly nutritious and used to produce a variety of products. It is particularly rich in essential amino acids like lysine and arginine, which are often deficient in major cereal crops. The two main varieties of buckwheat are Koto BlacK & AC Manisoba (or Koban).
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