Hi! I’m back!! I had the most amazing time in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan learning all about lentils. I decided to break up my trip in a few posts so I can share everything with you guys! #lovelentils
Saskatoon seems like a down to earth, quaint ci
ty.
With temps in the 80’s, I lucked out with beautiful weather (especially since Vegas was in the high 100s). That castle-like hotel on the left, the Delta Bessborough, is where I got to stay.
The hotel is actually a historical landmark in Saskatoon.
The inside was as strikingly beautiful.
Since I didn’t get in until after 10 pm, I was ready to face plant into this cozy bed.
You can see that I made myself right at home.
And, of course, I had to show you the bathroom. Nice and roomy. It was perfect for getting myself lentil ready.
I was greeted in the room with a binder that detailed all about our 2 days in Canada. It included bios, itinerary, lentil facts, etc. I think you may be able to call me a lentil connoisseur from here on out. 
After a great night of sleeping, I got ready to go to meet other dietitians for breakfast at Calories.
The Vegas girl in me loved the look of this city! Adorable!! It reminded me a little of Seattle.
The restaurant is equally as adorable and very fitting as the darling city in which it’s located.
Us dietitians love our coffee! Most of us enjoyed a hot mug. Mine with a bit of cream and cube of sugar.
Along with our coffee, we were also served a freshly squeezed juice.
I have to say that when you are with dietitians, you know you are going to eat well. And we sure did!!
They started us off with fixings to make our own parfaits. Fresh fruits with herbs…
alongside a delicious granola with bits of almonds and raisins.
The fruit and granola was all served over creamy yogurt. This was delicious and very filling!
We all laughed when they brought out an entrée. There is more??
Next was a frittata mixed with asparagus and you guessed it…lentils!! Loved the idea of incorporating lentils in breakfast.
Seeing this picture makes me miss everyone! Such an amazing group of men and women.
After breakfast, we hopped on our bus and headed to Rosetown to take a tour of the lentil farm with Dwayne Moore, a local lentil grower.
On the ride, Rachel, who is the market promoter for the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, went over some information about Canadian lentils.
Did you know…
- Lentils are a member of the pulse crop family, which are the edible seeds of a legume.
- Lentils come in a variety of sizes ranging from extra small to large.
- The 4 main types of lentils grown in Canada are green red, black Beluga, and French green or Du Puy.
(source)
About an hour later, we arrived at some of the areas where lentils are grown.
Dwayne farms with his wife and brother in the Rosetown area growing lentils, peas and durum. He spent some time schooling us on lentil growing. This past year, Rosetown had more rain than usual which actually hurt some of the lentil crops. Lentils actually grow better in drier weather.
The teeny little lentil plant.
Some other fun facts about lentils…
- Saskatchewan produces 97% of Canada’s lentils supply.
- Canada now exports 67% of the world’s lentils, making them the world’s largest lentil exporter.
After a quick tour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch chock-full of lentils.
I can’t wait to try and recreate some of the delicious lentil salad dishes!
With our bellies full, we made one more stop to check out the amazing equipment that is used for planting the lentil seeds.
Holy moly was my first thought!! Next was, can I drive???
I can’t even describe how neat this experience was! It made me realize how much really goes into the process of lentil making and how much we take for granted.
I will have a couple more posts coming out to you! Get ready for more lentil foods, cooking challenges, and lentil processing!
What type of lentils have you tried or would like to try?
disclaimer: I was invited on the lentil tour and my opinions are honest and my own.
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
I saw you tweeting #lovelentils! Had no idea this is what it meant haha. Looks like a lot of fun! The lentil salads look especially delicious
what a cool experience that must’ve been!
Oh wow – looks incredible. What a wonderful place! As for the lentils, you just reminded me I have 2 bags LOL
A lentil tour?! I didn’t know there was such a thing. Sounds like it was a fun trip! I don’t cook lentils nearly enough, so I’ll be on the lookout for your recipes.
I will trying to create more here soon since I got to take some home so I’ll keep you posted!
Well hello there buddy! Hope you had a good flight back home
Your pictures are great, I’m excited to read the rest of your recap! Was such a fun trip, I’m bummed it’s already over. Could you believe I’m making lentils with supper? You’d think I’d give myself some time off, ha!
Hi Vanessa!! Yes, I did!
There is soo much to post!!!
I can’t wait to get cooking with the lentils too! Soo good!
so cool!!!!! i’ve just started to like lentils this year. loved reading this
oh how fun!!! what a great experience!!!
That’s a really neat experience. But I have to admit…the word lentils makes me giggle a little bit. I guess it’s just funny to say.
Thanks for stopping by, Erin!!
Great post Kristen. The pics are amazing. Good memories. Will look forward to the future posts re lentils! Was nice to meet you. Take care!
Amanda Burton
Thanks so much, Amanda!
It was so great meeting you as well! Hope to keep in touch!
This is SO COOL! What an amazing trip! Here is another fact about lentils: I have STILL never eaten them! I remember a recipe you posted for tacos made with lentils and I keep meaning to make them but haven’t gotten around to trying it. Maybe this will be my motivation
YAY KRISTEN!!! So lovely to meet you, and I’m so happy you’re recapping those amazing 2 days! Can’t wait to check back for the next addition. What a wonderful blog you have!
Meghan
Hi Meghan!! So great to meet you as well!! Hopefully it will be sooner than later.
What a fun tour! Seriously!! I’ve only tried green lentils? I think? Whatever we grabbed one day without really researching!! I’d love to try more. Those salads look wonderful!
Very cool! Looks like a lot of fun. So glad you got the chance to have an experience like that. The city definitely looks cute and that room is just amazing. Looked comfy!
This is very cool – I am actually clueless when it comes to lentils. I’ve never cooked with them so I am excited to read the rest of your recaps! That hotel looks pretty awesome as well.
A restaurant called “Calories”?? Love it!!
I know, right!! Such a unique name..and hey, it makes sense!
What a cool experience!
Hey Kristen!! you were in my home quarters! I was so shocked when I read your post. Saskatoon is where I completed my schooling to become an RD! I love that city and I am glad you enjoyed it as well. As for the lentils I am excited to see some of your recipes. I have made your lentil tacos and they were very yummy!
Cheers,
Kara
Ohh my gosh this looks like SO MUCH FUN!!! I want to go on this adventure that you went on. I LOVE lentils, one of my favorite protein sources. You are adorable in the lentil field!
Oh my gosh – it’s so gorgeous there – and what an exciting thing to do!!
How fun! I had no idea Canada was to thank for the largest market share of lentils! That’s a fun fact of the day
Your photos are wonderful!
Very cool!!!! Looks like an amazing trip! I’m a big fan of lentils. Lots o’ fiber, how was the colon after this trip?? lol
I actually want to try sprouting them.
It looks so breathtaking there! I need to get comfortable with cooking lentils because I love them, but cooking dried lentils/beans scares me for some reason.
I was intimidated at first too! But they really are easy. I plan on posting some lentil recipes here soon so you can give them a try!
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