Pulse Convention Highlights Versatility of Special Crops

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TORONTO — This month’s Pulse & Special Crops Convention 2016 attracted 550 delegates from 24 countries to Toronto. Now in its 30th year, the event has become the largest North American event for the international pulse trade.

The convention brings together pulse and special-crops growers, processors and exporters, service providers and buyers from around the world to network and hear the latest news about production prospects for pulses and special crops — both in Canada and around the world. Special guests at this year’s event included the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food; Matthew Corrin, founder of freshii, who spoke about the intricacies of launching a global food brand focused on healthy lifestyles; and Scott Streiner, chair and CEO of the Canadian Transportation Agency, who discussed the modernization of Canada’s transportation regulations.

On the opening day of the convention, 125 members of Canada’s food industry and the international pulse trade joined Pulse Canada for “Delivering Healthy, Nutritious and Sustainable Foods” — a half-day event highlighting the diversity and versatility of pulses and pulse ingredients. Lunch included pinto bean salad, penne made with pulse flour and topped with lentil-beef meatballs and marinara sauce and a black-bean brownie.

Pulse Canada staff shared details about the latest research on the functional and nutritional advantages of pulse ingredients and opportunities for marketing pulse-based foods. The afternoon also included a culinary demonstration from Red Seal chef Christine Farkas, who prepared a pina-colada smoothie with white beans, lentil granola and a lemon pastry cream featuring pea starch.

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