Chinook Applied Research Association - 2011 Annual Report
63
Canary Seed (Phalaris canariensis) – is a grassy plant widely grown for birdseed. An itch-less variety, CDC Maria, is available but has a lower yield. Canada is the world leader in the production and export of canary seed used in caged and wild bird food mixtures.
Caraway (Carum carvi) – is a member of the Umbelliferae (carrot family). Caraway is a biennial spice crop, but an annual type also occurs. Caraway produced in western Canada is mostly of the biennial type. In the first year biennial caraway produces a bushy green plant and sets seed in the second or third year. Yields in Saskatchewan can be variable, ranging from 300-1000 lb/acre. Caraway seed is used to flavor foods such as bread, cheese and sauerkraut. Essential oils extracted from the seed are used to flavor meats, mouthwash and liqueurs.
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum – is an annual pulse crop. There are two types of chickpeas: the small, brown, roughed coated Desi and the large beige, smooth coated Kabuli (also known as the garbanzo bean). Chickpeas are native to the middle east and are grown extensively in India and the Mediterranean. Chickpeas are a large part of the diet of the people of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It provides an excellent source of protein, zinc, fiber and folate.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) – is an annual herb from the carrot family. Cilantro is the term for the leaves commonly used as a cooking herb. Coriander seed is used as a spice and used to flavor gin. Coriander germinates slowly, loves heat, but competes poorly with weeds.
Fababeans (Vicia faba minor) – are a traditional crop in Europe, Africa, the MidEast and Asia. Other names include broad beans, horse beans, tick beans, pigeon beans and Windsor beans. Fababeans are adapted to moist areas with a cool growing season. Irrigation (if needed) and herbicide treatment are recommended to obtain a good yield. Fababeans are excellent nitrogen fixers. They should be produced for a guaranteed market or for on-farm use. Protein content in fababeans is high (24-30%). They are used as cooked vegetables and as stock feed.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) – is an annual herb of the legume family. It has various uses: leaf vegetable, medicine, spice, cattle forage and nitrogen fixer.