About Canola Oil
Canola is a crop with plants from three to five feet tall that produce pods from which seeds are harvested and crushed to create canola oil and meal. These plants also produce small, yellow flowers, which beautify the environment.
Canola seeds contain approximately 45 percent oil, a high percentage packed into seeds similar in size to rapeseed but distinguished by their brownish-black hue. Although they look similar, canola and rapeseed plants and oils are very different. Canadian scientists used traditional plant breeding in the 1960s to practically eliminate two undesirable components of rapeseed, erucic acid from oil and glucosinolates from meal, to create “canola,” a contraction of “Canadian” and “ola.” Canola oil is prized for its heart-healthy properties with the least saturated fat of all common culinary oils.
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Canola belongs to the Brassica plant family, which also includes mustard, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Besides China, canola is cultivated in Canada, Australia, Europe, and the United States. Canola seed is also known as “double low rapeseed” due to its low levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates, particularly in China and Europe. Canola plants are easy to grow, need fewer pesticides, and the oil extraction process is efficient with little waste.
Production: Canola plants are grown in suitable fields, harvested, and seeds are transported to processing facilities. After cleaning and moisture adjustment, canola seeds are pressed to release the canola oil. Following extraction, the canola oil can be further refined to produce a shelf-stable, clear and neutral-tasting oil which can be stored at room temperature for about one year. The remaining solid parts of canola seed can be processed into canola meal, a protein-packed product used in animal feed.
Health Benefits: Canola oil has a beneficial fatty acid profile. It’s low in saturated fat, reducing the risk of heart disease. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, and polyunsaturated fats including omega – 3s, which support brain health and reduce inflammation.
Culinary Versatility: Its neutral flavor and high smoke point (about 400°F/204°C) make it suitable for frying, sautéing, baking, and salad dressings. It doesn’t overpower other ingredients and can withstand high-heat cooking without breaking down.
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Advantages of Cold-pressed Canola Oil
1. Nutrient Retention: cold-pressed extraction, without heat or chemicals, preserves more vitamin E and omega-3s, which are good for skin and immune system. Zero trans fats, more omega 6 & 3 than olive oil. High in vitamin E, low in saturated fat.
2. Pure and Natural Flavor: it has a fresh, delicate taste, ideal for salad dressings and raw food recipes, free from off-flavors of refined oils.
3. Minimal Processing: involving only mechanical pressure, it’s more environmentally friendly and less likely to introduce contaminants.
In summary, canola oil, especially cold-pressed, is a healthy, versatile, and sustainable cooking choice, appealing to health-conscious consumers and chefs.
Advanced cold pressing technology can maximize the value of canola oil.