Rapeseed oil

What is Rapeseed oil?

Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, is a type of vegetable oil that is made from the seeds of the rapeseed plant. It is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and low in saturated fats, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking oils.

Rapeseed oil is commonly used for cooking, baking, and frying due to its high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and producing harmful substances. It is also used as an ingredient in salad dressings, sauces, and mayonnaise.

In addition to its culinary uses, rapeseed oil has a variety of other applications, including as a biofuel, lubricant, and in the production of soaps and detergents.

Rapeseed oil Production in the World

Canada is the top country producing Rapeseed oil in the world. As of 2021, Canada produced 4,218,110 tonnes of Rapeseed oil, accounting for 15.87% of the total production. Germany is the world's second-largest Rapeseed oil producer, with 4,013,300 tonnes, which represents 15.10% of the total production. China(3,326,400) is the 3rd country, India(2,980,800) is the 4th country, and France(1,835,900) is the 5th country in the world producing Rapeseed oil. Kyrgyzstan has the lowest production of Rapeseed oil in the world with only 7 tonnes in 2021. The world's total production of rapeseed oil was estimated at 26,584,948 tonnes in 2021.

Source: FAOSTAT

Top 10 countries by Rapeseed oil production 2021

Top Countries by Production of Rapeseed oil in 2021

Rank	Country	Production(Tonnes)
1	Canada	4,218,110
2	Germany	4,013,300
3	China	3,326,400
4	India	2,980,800
5	France	1,835,900
6	Poland	1,290,200
7	Japan	993,753
8	United Kingdom	745,400
9	Russia	736,309
10	United States	681,000
11	Mexico	537,000
12	Australia	509,700
13	Belgium	500,400
14	United Arab Emirates	456,100
15	Pakistan	451,100
16	Czech Republic	411,100
17	Belarus	387,959
18	Bangladesh	279,000
19	Denmark	245,600
20	Ukraine	184,802
21	Romania	150,700
22	Austria	149,600
23	Iran	138,500
24	Netherlands	132,400
25	Sweden	131,700
26	Hungary	101,800
27	Lithuania	90,500
28	Slovakia	86,100
29	Spain	81,800
30	Chile	64,400
31	Estonia	62,000
32	Portugal	59,500
33	Nepal	58,209
34	Latvia	54,900
35	South Africa	52,200
36	Turkiye	51,500
37	Finland	48,800
38	Kazakhstan	38,064
39	Switzerland	29,780
40	Bulgaria	27,000
41	Uruguay	26,700
42	Brazil	26,100
43	Italy	25,300
44	Croatia	23,500
45	Malaysia	22,500
46	Paraguay	19,900
47	Bosnia and Herzegovina	8,400
48	Algeria	7,589
49	Serbia	7,262
50	Greece	5,100
51	Norway	4,900
52	Ethiopia	4,700
53	Ireland	4,196
54	Israel	2,000
55	South Korea	1,500
56	Uzbekistan	531
57	Morocco	500
58	Mongolia	308
59	North Macedonia	191
60	Iceland	130
61	Argentina	116
62	Slovenia	107
63	Democratic Republic of the Congo	25
64	Kyrgyzstan	7

Health Benefits of Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, has several health benefits, including:

Heart health: Rapeseed oil is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Rapeseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Improved insulin sensitivity: Some studies have shown that rapeseed oil may improve insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Improved brain function: Omega-3 fatty acids found in rapeseed oil are also important for brain function and can help improve cognitive performance.
Skin health: Rapeseed oil is rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Reduced cancer risk: Some studies have suggested that rapeseed oil may have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer.

In general, rapeseed oil is a nutritious oil that can be beneficial to a well-rounded diet. Nonetheless, it is crucial to consume it in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.

Nutritional Information of Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil is a good source of healthy fats and other nutrients. Here is a breakdown of the nutrition in rapeseed oil per 100 grams:

Calories: 884
Total fat: 100g
Saturated fat: 7g
Monounsaturated fat: 61g
Polyunsaturated fat: 28g
Omega-3 fatty acids: 9g
Omega-6 fatty acids: 19g
Vitamin E: 17mg
Vitamin K: 71mcg

Consuming rapeseed oil in moderation as part of a balanced diet is crucial since it is high in calories and fat. Additionally, selecting high-quality, cold-pressed rapeseed oil is necessary to maximize nutrient content.

Regional Variety of Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, is produced from the seeds of various regional varieties of the rapeseed plant. These varieties have distinct characteristics and preferred uses. Here are some examples of regional rapeseed oil varieties and their common uses:

Canadian Canola Oil: Canada is one of the leading producers of canola oil, derived from Canadian rapeseed varieties. Canadian canola oil is known for its mild flavor, light texture, and high smoke point, making it suitable for various cooking methods, including frying, sautéing, and baking. It is a versatile oil used in both household and commercial cooking applications.
European Rapeseed Oil: Europe is a significant producer of rapeseed oil, and different European countries have their regional varieties. European rapeseed oil is often characterized by a slightly nutty flavor and a medium smoke point. It is commonly used in salad dressings and marinades and as a finishing oil for its distinct flavor profile.
Australian Canola Oil: Australia produces canola oil from locally grown rapeseed varieties. Australian canola oil is known for its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and stability. It is a popular choice for deep-frying, stir-frying, and other high-heat cooking methods. It is also used as a general-purpose cooking oil in both commercial and home kitchens.
Indian Mustard Oil: In India, rapeseed oil is commonly known as mustard oil. Indian mustard oil has a strong, pungent flavor and aroma, reminiscent of mustard seeds. It is widely used in Indian cuisine for cooking, frying, and tempering spices. Mustard oil is also used in traditional Ayurvedic practices and as a condiment in some regional dishes.

It's important to note that the availability of specific rapeseed oil varieties may vary depending on the region and local markets. The uses mentioned above are general guidelines, and rapeseed oil can be used in a wide range of culinary applications based on personal preference and regional culinary traditions.

Types of Rapeseed oil

There are several types of rapeseed oil available on the market, including:

Refined rapeseed oil: This is the most commonly available type of rapeseed oil. It is refined using a process that involves high heat and chemicals to remove impurities and improve its flavor and shelf life.
Cold-pressed rapeseed oil: This type of rapeseed oil is produced using a mechanical process that involves crushing the seeds and extracting the oil without the use of heat or chemicals. Cold-pressed rapeseed oil is considered to be more natural and retains more of its nutritional value and flavor.
Organic rapeseed oil: This type of rapeseed oil is produced from organically grown rapeseed plants without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It is often cold-pressed and unrefined.
High oleic rapeseed oil: This type of rapeseed oil has been developed to have a higher level of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is known for its health benefits. High oleic rapeseed oil is often used in the food industry and the production of biodiesel.
Blended rapeseed oil: Some manufacturers blend rapeseed oil with other oils, such as rapeseed-oil or sunflower oil, to create a product with a specific flavor or nutritional profile.

The selection of rapeseed oil type will mainly rely on individual preferences and the intended use. It is highly recommended to read the label and opt for a high-quality and minimally processed product.

Uses of Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, has several uses, including:

Cooking: Rapeseed oil is a popular cooking oil due to its high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and producing harmful substances. It is a good choice for frying, baking, roasting, and sautéing.
Salad dressings and marinades: Rapeseed oil has a mild flavor and is a popular choice for making salad dressings and marinades. It can be used on its own or mixed with other oils, vinegar, and herbs to create a flavorful dressing or marinade.
Baking: Rapeseed oil can be used as a substitute for butter or margarine in baking recipes to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
Biofuel: Rapeseed oil is also used as a biofuel, particularly in Europe, where it is blended with diesel fuel to reduce emissions.
Industrial uses: Rapeseed oil is used in the production of soaps, lubricants, and other industrial products.

In general, rapeseed oil is a versatile oil that has many possible uses. Nevertheless, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.

More List:

Coconut Oil Cottonseed Oil Groundnut Oil Linseed Oil Maize Oil Palm Fruit Oil Palm Kernal Oil Palm Oil Rapeseed Oil Safflower Oil Sesame Oil Soybean Oil Sunflower Oil Virgin Olive Oil