Grains
Canary Seed
Canary Seed (Phalaris Canariensis), or annual Canary Grass, is a major component of feed mixtures for caged and wild birds, a cool-season crop grown in Saskatchewan, and as the name would suggest, the crop originated in the Canary Islands. Canadian farmers produce up to 65% of the world’s Canary Seed, so Canada is the largest producer and supplier of this Seed in the world.
There are two major types of Canary Seeds, itchy and hairless. Most of the Saskatchewan acreage is comprised of the itchy varieties. The hairless variety was recently approved for human consumption in Canada and the U.S as an alternative Cereal Grain for whole Grain foods and a renewable source of starch, protein, and oil.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a type of special crops which has been growing in Canada since 1970. Manitoba is called Buckwheat capital of Canada because it accounts about 70% of total production, but has recently shifted to Ontario and Quebec due to strong demand in Central Canada and Eastern North America. Buckwheat was previously called wheat because the Grain of Buckwheat was used in the same way as wheat. This term is somewhat ironic since Buckwheat does not belong to the Grass family and is not considered a “true” Cereal. Buckwheat is a highly nutritious whole Grain that many people consider to be a healthy food diet. Among its health benefits, Buckwheat may improve heart health, promote weight loss, and help manage diabetes. Buckwheat is a good source of protein as well.