Canadians Growing Exotic Veggies

Canadians Growing Exotic Veggies TRACTORS Collectors African and Asian varieties of amaranth hibiscus eggplant beans and okra are not typical Canadian crops But several growers have added them to their gardens this year as part of a research project with the agricultural department at Collège Boréal in Sudbury Ontario “We selected varieties that are in high demand in the immigrant population We want to make them as easy to buy as spinach and carrots ” explains Johnny Kashama the college’s agronomist who is managing the ethnic vegetable research “Also we want Canadians to benefit from having them as part of their diet The varieties each have three or more health benefits ” African amaranth leaves are steamed or stir-fried and added to many dishes and are rich in Vitamin C protein and other nutrients for example Hibiscus calyx which can be brewed into tea helps reduce high blood pressure The imported vegetables are expensive African eggplant can be as high as $10/lb and hibiscus $7/lb Growing them locally will make the produce fresher for consumers and less expensive At the same time it gives producers additional value-added options to grow Plants were started at the college’s greenhouses last cropping season and this year five research stations and three producers agreed to plant them for trials in landscape fabric on their farms They will work with Kashama and his assistants and students to measure growth parameters and resulting harvests of 22 varieties total of the five crops As the crops are being grown Kashama is also working on marketing and introducing the vegetables to consumers through cooking sessions and to students through the college’s menu options There will also be demonstrations samples and recipes at farmer’s markets and other venues Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Johnny Kashama Collège Boréal 21 Lasalle Boulevard Sudbury Ontario Canada P3A 6B1 ph 800-361-6673; ext 2058 or 705-560-6673 Johnny Kashama@collegeboreal ca

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