Harvest quality reports released for 2011 pulse crops

WINNIPEG, Feb. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - How do customers in international markets learn about the quality of Canada's pulse crops? Through the Canadian Grain Commission's annual harvest and export quality reports. Harvest quality reports are now available for western Canadian chick peas, peas, pea beans and lentils at www.grainscanada.gc.ca.

"Our analytical tests showed that, in general, the overall quality of the 2011 crop was good for all pulses," explains Ning Wang, Program Manager of Pulse Research in the Canadian Grain Commission's Grain Research Laboratory. "In 2011, the weather was favorable across most of the pulse growing area, contributing to higher quality."

For each of the four crops analyzed, our researchers gathered quality data on:

• Protein content
• Starch content
• Ash content
• 100-seed weight
• Water absorption
• Cooking quality (only for peas and pea beans)
• Dehulling quality (only for red lentils)

Harvest quality reports are used to market Canadian pulses to domestic and export customers. Quality data describes to export customers how Canadian pulses will perform in various end-use products. For example, a food manufacturer from China could use starch from Canadian peas to make vermicelli, a type of starch noodle. The amount of starch in peas and functionality of the starch would determine the quantity and quality of pea starch noodles.

The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada's grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers' rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions. 

Ning Wang
Program Manager, Pulse Research
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone: [phone]