Canada: a huge mustard seed producer

Mustard is one of the oldest condiments in the world. It gives taste and character to different recipes and preparations. It is an essential ingredient for successful mayonnaise, dressings and sauces. By crushing the seed, an oil is obtained which is used in the food industry. We know mustard well in France, but did you know that to date, the largest producer in the world remains Canada? We tell you more.

Mustard seed and Canada

Canada's climate is perfectly suited to its cultivation, especially in its prairies.
In 1936, only three hectares of land were given over to planting mustard seed in Alberta. Burgundy-former city of culture-was no longer considered the mustard seed producing region. The last major factory in the city has disappeared after being bought by Unilever.

Today 3 varieties of mustard grow in the country: yellow, brown and oriental. The yolk (Sinapis alba) - the best known - is the sweetest and the one that contains the least oil. Dijon mustard and its variants are brown mustards (Brassica juncea). The eastern version is used in Asia where it is notably added to cooking oils to add flavor.

And not just any mustard seeds are grown there, but top quality varieties. These are sought after by brands such as “Maille”. Canada has about 30 % of world mustard production, behind Nepal and the European Union. The regions of Saskatchewan and Alberta hold more than ¾ of the production. Canada is the largest mustard seed exporter in the world, ahead of Ukraine. The United States, Belgium, India, Japan, Germany and the Netherlands are among the biggest consumers.
Nepal also exports mustard seeds, but in small quantities, as the production is consumed or processed locally.

In recent years, a global shortage of mustard seeds has been felt around the world. This can be explained by the drought that affected the northern hemisphere in general. Despite this, distributors and resellers continue to source mustard seed in Canada. Canadian farmers are thus persevering in this sector.

What you need to know about mustard seed

Mustard is one of the most consumed condiments. The plant that gives mustard belongs to the Brassicaceae family. To obtain seeds of 1 to 2 mm, it is necessary to wait about 3 months. They take on a brown color when they mature. The seeds have been eaten since the 10th century BC. JC in India.

The condiment as we know it is obtained by grinding the seeds and combining them with other ingredients.
Low in calories, mustard does not risk impacting bad cholesterol levels. Rich in protein, it also contains various minerals including niacin, calcium, potassium and magnesium. Its pungency is due to myosin and sinigrin (also found in horseradish root).

Preference is given to an annual mustard variety associated with rapid growth. It grows in winter and even on wet soil. This plant is a cousin of rapeseed, but it is more resistant to heat, drought and frost. In addition, it is not afraid of the cabbage seed weevil.
However, mustard is also sensitive to other diseases or insects that affect rapeseed.
It is also recommended for crops in rotation. However, we avoid planting rapeseed, sunflower, lentils or chickpeas two years after a crop of mustard. True, these plants suffer from the same diseases, which is harmful to plantations.

Some techniques improve the quality of the harvest. We recommend the establishment of a long-term rotation system. Farmers also develop an anti-pest strategy. However, the latter must respect the environment and the planet.
It is essential to control these parameters to harvest quality mustard seeds.

It should also be noted that young mustard plants require more attention. It is only on this condition that the yield is optimized.

Towards local processing of Canadian mustard seed

The Canadian government advocates the processing of raw materials in the country. the state encourages the creation of companies that work with mustard seed. This helps improve the national economy in Canada. Following this call, many Canadian brands are born. They are motivated by the desire to use local resources to make refined products.

We will mention the brand of Chef Martin Picard “Au Pied de Cochon”. It offers different variations of maple mustard. The Quebec chef combines two local foods in a bold product that tastes great. On our site, you will find its old-fashioned and maple Dijon mustards, its smoked maple mustard and the variety maple butter. Try them on a hot dog, with a nice piece of meat or in a vinaigrette.

There maple mustard and cider from Île d'Orléans is also available on our online store. The brand that produces it - Délices de l'Île d'Orléans - also offers different berry vinegars. Its range then widened with condiments, butter, jam, marmalade and fruit spreads. Added to this are the terrines and seasonal products. They all come from an artisanal production devoid of additives.