Rapeseed

Introduction

Rapeseed
File:Canola Fields.JPG Rapeseed field in bloom
familia	Brassicaceae
genus	Brassica
subfamilia	{{{subfamilia}}}
species	B. napus
binomial	Brassica napus
binomial_authority	L.
unranked_ordo	Rosids
unranked_classis	Eudicots
ordo	Brassicales
regnum	Plantae

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is a bright yellow flowering plant that is widely cultivated for its oil-rich seeds. The oil extracted from rapeseed is commonly used for cooking, as well as in the production of biodiesel fuel. Rapeseed is also known by its synonym, canola, which was coined in the 1970s to differentiate the less bitter and more palatable cultivars of rapeseed.

Description

Rapeseed is an annual plant that typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters (3-6 feet). It has broad, deeply lobed leaves that are covered in a layer of fine hairs. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer, and these are followed by seed pods that contain the rapeseed.

Rapeseed seeds are small, round and black, and are covered in a thin layer of waxy coating that gives them a shiny appearance. The oil extracted from the seeds is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making it a healthy source of dietary fat. The oil is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which have been shown to have a range of health benefits.

Gallery

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  Brassica_napus_var._napus_(3485742992)

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  Rapeseed field in bloom

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  Brassica_Napus_(67808553)

Cultivation

Rapeseed is grown on a large scale in many parts of the world, including Canada, China, India, and Europe. The plant is adaptable to a range of growing conditions, and can be cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions. Rapeseed is typically sown in the fall or early spring, and the seeds are harvested in mid-summer.

Rapeseed cultivation has been associated with a number of environmental concerns, particularly related to the use of pesticides and fertilizers. In response to these concerns, many farmers have adopted more sustainable practices, such as integrated pest management and organic farming.

Uses

Rapeseed is primarily grown for the oil extracted from its seeds, which is used for cooking, baking, and in the production of biodiesel fuel. The oil has a relatively high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a popular choice for frying and other high-temperature cooking methods.

Rapeseed meal, the byproduct of rapeseed oil production, is also used as a high-protein animal feed. The meal is rich in amino acids and is a valuable source of protein for livestock such as pigs and poultry.

Rapeseed has also been studied for its potential as a source of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Research has suggested that these compounds may have a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Health benefits

Rapeseed oil is a healthy source of dietary fat, with a high proportion of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats have been shown to have a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Rapeseed oil is also rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to a range of health benefits. Antioxidants help to protect the body against oxidative stress, which is thought to contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health and may help to reduce inflammation in the body.

In addition to its potential health benefits, rapeseed is also a sustainable crop with a relatively low environmental impact. The plant requires less water and fertilizer than many other crops, and is less susceptible to pests and diseases.

History

Rapeseed has been cultivated for thousands of years, primarily for its oil-rich seeds. The plant is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, and was widely cultivated by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans.

Rapeseed was introduced to North America in the 18th century, where it was primarily used as a source of lamp oil. The plant became more widely cultivated in the 20th century, particularly in Canada, where it was developed into the modern cultivar known as "canola".

The name "canola" was coined in the 1970s to differentiate the less bitter and more palatable cultivars of rapeseed. The word "canola" is derived from "Canadian oil, low acid", reflecting the crop's origins and its low levels of erucic acid, a compound that can be toxic in high doses.

In popular culture

Rapeseed has been referenced in a number of works of literature and popular culture. In George Orwell's novel 1984, the protagonist Winston Smith is forced to eat a ration of "Victory" brand bread made with rapeseed oil, which he finds unappetizing. The use of rapeseed in the novel reflects its historical use as a low-cost alternative to more expensive oils.

See also

Biodiesel Cooking oil Mustard plant Vegetable oil

External links

Canola Council of Canada USDA Foreign Agricultural Service - Canola British Journal of Nutrition - Canola oil and Type 2 Diabetes

Rapeseed Resources
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