Saskatchewan Dominates Canadian Spice Crops

VANCOUVER - Jun 8/07 - SNS -- Canadian spice crops production is concentrated in Saskatchewan, with smaller volumes produced in Manitoba and Alberta, according to Stan Skrypetz, Pulse and Special Crops Analyst with Agriculture Canada's Market Analysis Division, Research and Analysis Directorate, Strategic Policy Branch in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The main spice crops produced in Canada are caraway seed and coriander seed, but small amounts of fenugreek seed and dill seed are also produced.

Seed from spice crops is used to add flavor to food. Caraway seed is used to flavor such foods as bread, cheese and sauerkraut. Coriander seed is used to flavor products such as curries, gin and prepared meats.

Caraway seed produced in Canada is usually from biennial varieties which require a second growing season to produce seed. Although annual varieties are available, they are lower yielding and late maturing, which increases the risk of frost damage. Coriander seed is an annual crop.

Data on the world production of caraway seed and coriander seed are not available. Caraway seed is produced mainly in northern Europe, India, the US and Canada. Coriander seed is produced mainly in countries along the Mediterranean and Black seas, Argentina, India and Canada.

Data on production in Canada for caraway seed and coriander seed are only available for the main producing province, Saskatchewan. Production of both crops in Saskatchewan has been variable, in line with variable seeded area, crop abandonment and yields. Spice crops are sometimes grown under production contracts. Average prices have also varied due to production variability in Canada and other producing countries.

The US is the only significant destination for Canadian caraway seed. The US is also the main destination for coriander seed, with other significant destinations being the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Japan and Morocco.