Why Canada is becoming the pantry of the world (think: peas)
We're a long way from grandma's pea soup.
People used to call Canada the world's breadbasket, but we should probably be known as the world's pantry. Canada is the largest exporter of dried peas in the world, producing over three million tons of pulses, from red lentils to chickpeas to navy beans.
Crops harvested from farms — like this one in Landis, Sask. — are sold to customers in India, Bangladesh and China. The peas are used directly in food, but are also processed into protein powders, pea fibres and starches. These ingredients are added to vermicelli and sauces, as well as baking and soup mixes.
Twenty-five years ago, farmer Reg Roth left the world of wheat in favour of pulses, and he's never looked back since.
"I wanted to produce something that was maybe more profitable and it's good for the land. ... It gives you pride to have a nice crop. I like taking them off and seeing a nice yield."
Join chef Ricardo Larrivée as he learns about the power of the pulse.