BY: Wendy McDonald, Production Agronomist – West, Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers
The December Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG) board meeting was held at the Food Development Centre (FDC) in Portage la Prairie. This facility is home to the Product Commercialization, Value Added Branch of Manitoba Agriculture. As part of the meeting, the MPSG board and staff were treated to a tour of the facility and a pulse snack tasting.
The FDC does many things including innovating by developing pulse-based baked goods that are high in protein and nutritious. Expert sensory analysis ensures products made there have optimal taste and texture. Testing texture and moisture retention are essential for achieving desirable sensory qualities in snacks.
FDC helps with product documentation and commercialization. They create detailed sell sheets to support and complete testing for flavour, functionality and nutrition for market readiness.
