Rape grain, known botanically as Brassica napus, is an oilseed crop belonging to the mustard and cabbage family, Brassicaceae. This makes it a relative of common vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and turnips.
Historically cultivated for centuries, this plant yields small, dark seeds that are rich in oil. The term “rape” in its name originates from the Latin word rapum, meaning turnip. Ancient civilizations valued the oil for uses such as lamp fuel. Its cultivation spread across Europe and Asia due to its adaptability and the utility of its oil.
The Development of Canola
The oil from traditional rapeseed was not widely used for human consumption due to its chemical composition. It contained high levels of erucic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, which studies in the mid-20th century linked to health concerns. The presence of glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds common in the mustard family, also gave the oil a distinctly bitter taste and the leftover meal an unpalatable quality for animal feed. These factors limited its application primarily to industrial purposes.
This prompted a focused scientific effort in Canada during the 1960s and 1970s to develop a food-grade version of the plant. Through traditional methods of selective breeding and cross-pollination, Canadian scientists sought to create a new cultivar with a significantly different nutritional profile.
After years of meticulous plant breeding, researchers successfully developed what is known as a “double-low” variety. This new cultivar possessed less than 2% erucic acid and a low level of glucosinolates, transforming its potential as a food source. To distinguish this new, edible oil from its industrial predecessor, the name “canola” was created in 1978. The name is a portmanteau derived from “CANadian Oil, Low Acid.”
Industrial and Agricultural Applications
The original high-erucic acid rapeseed oil remains valuable for non-food purposes. Its specific chemical properties make it an effective industrial lubricant and hydraulic fluid. In recent decades, this form of rapeseed oil has gained prominence as a feedstock for the production of biodiesel. The oil undergoes a chemical process to create a renewable fuel source.
Beyond the oil, the solid material left after extraction, known as rapeseed meal, serves an important agricultural function. This meal is high in protein, making it a valuable component of animal feed. It is commonly incorporated into the diets of cattle, poultry, and pigs to supplement their protein intake. In some regions, the entire rapeseed plant is also grown as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion during winter, suppress weeds, and improve the soil’s structure with its deep root system.
Culinary Uses and Nutrition
Canola oil is prized in the kitchen for its versatility. It has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to high temperatures before it begins to break down, making it suitable for frying and sautéing. The oil also has a neutral flavor and light texture, which allows it to be used in a wide range of recipes, from salad dressings to baked goods, without imparting a strong taste.
From a nutritional standpoint, canola oil is characterized by its low level of saturated fat. It is a good source of monounsaturated fats and also contains polyunsaturated fats. Specifically, it is a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid.
Global Cultivation
Rapeseed and canola fields are easily recognizable by their brilliant, dense displays of yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. The cultivation of this crop has a significant global footprint, making it one of the world’s leading oilseeds. It is grown in temperate climates around the world.
The largest producers of rapeseed and canola include Canada, the European Union, China, and India. These regions have the appropriate soil and climate conditions for the crop to thrive. Its widespread cultivation reflects its dual importance as a source of both edible oil for a global population and industrial oil for various applications.