2012 Pea Harvest Cooks Quicker

WINNIPEG - Jan 25/13 - SNS -- Peas harvested in 2012 cook much faster than those harvested in 2011, according to tests conducted by the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) on samples submitted for analysis by western Canadian farmers.

In its report, the CGC said, "Peas, No. 1 and No. 2 Canada Yellow had shorter cooking times in 2012 (13.0 min and 11.0 min, respectively) than in 2011 (15.8 min and 15.0 min, respectively). . . . Mean cooking times for 2012 Peas, No. 1 and No. 2 Canada (11.1 min and 13.0 min, respectively) were shorter than for 2011 (14.9 min and 14.9 min, respectively)."

Looking at other quality parameters, the CGC found that the average protein content of the 2012 crop was higher for both green and yellow peas, but the average starch content was lower.

Reviewing conditions for the 2012 crop, the CGC noted, "The Prairie provinces experienced sufficient rainfall early in the growing season, followed by hot and dry conditions over the summer months. Favorable weather in fall resulted in good quality and yield.

"Hot and dry weather in July and August advanced crops quickly, except in northern Alberta where the cool, wet weather caused crop development delays. Some heat stress on the crops was noted, but approximately 90% of crops were still in good to excellent condition in early August.

"Harvest began in early August for peas across all three provinces. Rain in Alberta, rain and hail in Saskatchewan, and frost in some parts of Manitoba, slowed harvest in September. However, because of the early start, 96% of peas were harvested by the beginning of October, well ahead of schedule. Some areas had slightly lower yields than expected because of the hot conditions in July and August."