Origins and Properties

A liquid oil obtained from oilseed rape (Brassica Campestris) which grows in more northern latitudes than any other major oil-producing plant. Rapeseed for oil production typically comes from the U.K. and Europe, as well as China, India, Canada (where it is called Canola) and Australia. 

Rapeseed is planted either in the Autumn (winter varieties) or in the Spring (summer varieties).  The winter varieties have a longer vegetation period and give a better yield but can only be grown in areas with a mild winter climate.  The harvest period in the Northern Hemisphere starts in late July for the winter varieties, in late August or early September for the summer varieties.  The EU produces over 22 million tonnes of rapeseed.  The oil content of rapeseed is around 40%.

A good all-round oil for most cooking and frying applications. Low saturates, relatively high monounsaturates and good levels of omega 3,6 and 9 make this oil a good choice for the health concious.