Rapeseed

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

Rapeseed / Brassica napus / is a plant with bright yellow flowers, which is widely grown around the world. Rapeseed originates from the Mediterranean, it is considered a variety of wild rapeseed. It is grown in cool and temperate climates, is not a very pretentious plant and grows well at low temperatures.

Rapeseed is a highly sought after product on European markets, which defines it as an integral part of modern grain production. In our country it is grown mainly in Central and Northern Bulgaria, blooms from April 15 to May 10, for this reason it is a mass source of pollen for bees.

History of rapeseed

Rapeseed was known as early as 4000 BC. As it turned out, her homeland is the Mediterranean, from where she later began to spread to Asia. In the 13th century, rapeseed made its way to Western Europe, where it became the main oil crop.

In Bulgaria, the first widespread vegetable oilseeds were rapeseed and less common rapeseed. Until the beginning of the First World War, they were the main sources of oil. During the war there was a severe shortage of oil, which accelerated the introduction of sunflower, which in just a few years replaced rapeseed.

Until 1965, rapeseed and rapeseed were sown annually, after which their production was completely stopped. From the beginning of 1980 in the country began a systematic study of plants of the cruciferous family, to which rapeseed belongs. Five years later, more than 360 varieties of rapeseed from around the world have already been studied. In 1986 the first wintering variety was proposed for introduction in the country - oilseed rapeseed "Marinus", and two years later the first canola type of oilseed rape was registered - "Amber".

Rapeseed composition

Rapeseed contains from 40 to 52% low-drying oil, up to 20% protein and over 17% carbohydrates. The composition of the old varieties of rapeseed included up to 45% erucic acid and glucosinolates, which, in addition to being harmful to the body, also reduce the quality of rapeseed. Nowadays the selection of new sleeveless and low-glucosinolate varieties rapeseed create a prerequisite for its cultivation in more and more countries around the world.

The nutritional properties of rapeseed oil are determined by the oil-acid composition and the contained vitamins A, E, K and D, phosphatides and tocopherols. About 85% of the composition of rapeseed oil are essential fatty acids - linoleic 20% and 65% oleic acid. Rapeseed processing results in a very valuable protein meal.

Rapeseed selection and storage

When buying oil from rapeseed, pay attention to the label on which the manufacturer and expiration date must be indicated. Like other types of oil, store rapeseed oil in a tightly closed bottle in a dark and cool place. Rapeseed oil retains its transparency for a long time and does not acquire an unpleasant odor under the influence of air, such as soybean oil.

Use of rapeseed

Until the 1960s, rapeseed oil was used mainly for technical purposes in most countries - leather and textile industry, as well as soap production. Rapeseed is used as animal feed, and recently has become one of the main raw materials for biofuel for diesel engines. In addition, rapeseed is one of the best honey plants, and up to 10 kg of honey can be obtained from one decare of rapeseed.

Rapeseed is widely used in cooking, in the form of oil. Rapeseed oil is mainly used to prepare marinades, cold dishes, mayonnaise and some other sauces. If you heat it to 180 degrees, you can fry vegetables and meat with it. It is not recommended to heat it to higher degrees.

French chefs prepare a Cretan salad, which has a very original taste, although many common vegetables are used - fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, peppers and mushrooms. Finally, sprinkle the salad with a little lemon juice and canola oil and enjoy the taste.

Benefits of rapeseed

The value of rapeseed oil, like olive oil, is that it is very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. These substances help lower blood cholesterol and strengthen blood vessels. They prevent the risk of blood clots and a number of serious diseases, including cancer.

Rapeseed contains linoleic acid, and as it is known, its deficiency in the body leads to narrowing of blood vessels and poor blood circulation, which can lead to stroke or myocardial infarction.

Harm from rapeseed

Many scientists and nutritionists argue about the benefits and harms of canola. While some believe that it lowers blood cholesterol levels, others believe that rapeseed oil has a strong negative effect on health. Recent research is about to put an end to this debate.

It turns out that with prolonged use of the oil from rapeseed, fat deposits form on the kidneys, adrenal glands, heart muscle and thyroid gland. After stopping the intake of rapeseed, scars remain on the affected organs. It turns out that rapeseed oil cannot be excreted from the body.

Despite these facts, however, rapeseed oil is widely used in the production of popcorn, mayonnaise, semi-finished products, bread, butter, margarine, chips, biscuits, baby food and others.