Rapeseed Oil

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Rapeseed oil is a vegetable oil that has recently begun to gain popularity in home cooking. It is extracted from the rapeseed plant, which is a major oil crop in many parts of the world. Obtained by pressing the small seeds of Brassica campestris esculenta. For several years, rapeseed fields have been observed in the northern parts of the country.

The plant impresses with its exquisite deep yellow flowers, which can be seen during the spring months when the plant blooms. Rapeseed grows in temperate climates and is not very pretentious. For this reason, it is preferred for cultivation in many countries. The largest producers of this plant remain China, Germany, Canada and France.

History of rapeseed oil

The very culture from which it is extracted rapeseed oil, was used by humans as early as 4000 BC. It originated in the Mediterranean, but later reached Asia. In the thirteenth century in Western Europe, rapeseed was the main oil crop. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, rapeseed oil was used as a lubricant in steam engines. At that time, the substance was not very popular for its culinary qualities due to its bitterness.

Initially, rapeseed oil contained almost 50 percent toxic erucic acid. That is why in the twentieth century it was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration. But then Canadian specialists created a new variety of canola. Rapeseed oil is obtained from it, where erucic acid is not more than two percent. It is used in making margarine.

Composition of rapeseed oil

IN rapeseed oil contain linoleic and oleic acid. It also contains erucic acid. It is a source of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D and vitamin K.

Selection and storage of rapeseed oil

When you are about to buy rapeseed oil, first check its expiration date. Rapeseed oil is yellowish and transparent and odorless. It must be kept in proper storage. For this purpose it is necessary to keep it in a dark and cool place, and the oil bottle must always be tightly closed.

Cooking with rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil is used as a substitute for olive oil or vegetable oil, and it is permissible to use no more than one tablespoon of the product per day. It is not recommended to heat it to high degrees (above 180 degrees) and therefore it is used more for flavoring cold products.

If, however, it gets too hot, the substance begins to emit an aroma reminiscent of that of fish. It is successfully used in the seasoning of salads, dressings, sauces, marinades and many other dishes. It best complements the taste of specialties with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms.

See an idea for a salad with rapeseed oil, which is light but filling.

Necessary products: 300 g green beans, 3 roasted peppers, 1 tablespoon strained yogurt, 3 carrots (pickled), 3 tablespoons canned corn, 2 cloves garlic, 1 onion (small), lemon juice, rapeseed oil, sol

Method of preparation: Wash and clean the beans. Bring to a boil in salted water until soft. Meanwhile, cut the roasted peppers into small strips and the carrots into circles. Mix them in a bowl and add the corn and yogurt. When the green beans are cooked, wash them with cold water and drain. Then place it with the other products. Finally, add the crushed garlic and sliced onion. Season with lemon juice, fat and salt. Stir and serve.

Benefits of rapeseed oil

At the moment, scientists are not unanimous about the benefits of rapeseed oil. However, some experts are convinced that it has a strengthening effect on the whole body, as it contains valuable vitamins. According to the same rapeseed oil contributes to the health and beauty of the notes, skin and hair.

That is why it should be used mostly by ladies. It is claimed that the oil helps to reduce excess weight in the abdomen. Something that is not noticed in other similar products. Erucic acid, which is contained in it, is involved in the manufacture of drugs against neurological diseases. Rapeseed oil is valued for another reason - it can be used as an insecticide.

Harms from rapeseed oil

However, we can not fail to mention the negatives regarding rapeseed oil. Nutritionists and researchers are of the opinion that it not only does not help the human body, but even harms it. They advise rapeseed oil, as well as all other processed oils, to be discarded from the kitchen immediately. According to their research, rapeseed oil has a negative effect on the adrenal glands, heart muscle and thyroid gland.

Scientists explain that once in the human body, rapeseed oil is not released and remains as a fat accumulation on the internal organs. And although the impact of the product on human health has not yet been conclusively proven, it is widely used in the production of chips, biscuits, margarine and many other foods.