Made in Canada

Story by Mifi Purvis

Canadians inventors have been setting the pace in food and agriculture for the past two centuries. Here are some great inventions that have made a mark.

1811: Farmer John McIntosh discovers some wild apple saplings on his Ontario property and plants them in his garden. While most
of the saplings die, the one remaining tree produces tart, red-skinned apples. All trees that will eventually produce McIntosh Red Apples are descended from this one hearty sapling.

1892: Canadian inventor Thomas Ahearn becomes the first to cook a meal on an electric stove. One year later the device debuts at the Chicago World’s Fair. 

1903: Dr. Charles Saunders develops Marquis wheat, which matures earlier than its predecessor, protecting crops from early frosts. It quickly overtakes as the dominant wheat across the Canadian prairies. Marquis goes into flour and baked goods such as bread and pastry. 

1974: Researchers develop canola. This new Canadian crop produces what will become one of the world’s most popular and healthy oils. Canola oil is used in cooking and to produce a variety of consumer items such as lip balm and the ink used to print this magazine.

1974: The trademark Canadian-Chinese dish ginger beef is invented at Calgary’s Silver Inn. The dish blends Northern Chinese chili and ginger flavours with Alberta beef.

1978-80:  Dr. Tom Clandinin of the University of Alberta discovers that two fatty acids found in human milk are important to the growth and psychomotor develpment in babies.  By 2006, the additives (DHA and ARA) are found in infant formulas such as Enfamil in 80 countries around the world.