Rape is a well-known oilseed and forage crop of the cruciferous family. This plant has been cultivated since ancient times, the first mentions of it are found in the 4th century BC. Europe and the Mediterranean are considered its homeland.
Rapeseed oil
The first to grow rapeseed began in Belgium and Holland, and then it quickly spread throughout Europe, including Russia. Up to 50% of the original weight of the oil is obtained from the feedstock, therefore the production of this product is highly profitable.
Rapeseed oil contains substances hazardous to human health: thioglucosides and erucic acid. That is why, until recently, it was used exclusively for technical purposes. Only in the 60s of the last century, scientists developed a new rapeseed variety, the content of harmful substances in it was minimized - a variety of rapeseed that is harmless to the human body is called "Canola".
In 1985, it was officially recognized as beneficial to health, and it is from this time that its popularity has flourished. At the moment, the leaders in the production of this product are China and Canada. In addition, rapeseed oil is produced in the Czech Republic, Poland, England, Finland, Denmark and France.
Now rapeseed oil closes the top three in popularity, ahead of it only cottonseed and soybean. This product is obtained by industrial pressing or extraction. Refined oil with a natural aroma inherent in it is most often found on sale, and an unrefined product is also common. Only those types of oil are allowed for consumption, which contain in the finished form no more than 3% thioglucosoids and 5% erucic acid.
Rapeseed oil has a peculiar, unique taste and aroma. It is a bit like olive oil, which is why it is so widespread. Moreover, unlike sunflower and soybean oils, it is able to retain its taste and aroma for quite a long time. For example, ordinary sunflower oil cannot boast of such a long shelf life. Moreover, it does not lose its transparency for a long time, which distinguishes it, for example, from the same sunflower oil.
The use of rapeseed oil
Rapeseed oil is widely used in cooking. It is often used as a dressing for various salads or as a main ingredient in sauces and marinades. With its use, a wide variety of dishes are prepared, ranging from soups, meat and fish dishes, side dishes to all kinds of pastries and desserts. Very often, rapeseed oil is used as a base for the production of certain varieties of margarine, mayonnaise and other types of sauces.
Useful qualities of rapeseed oil
Oil obtained from rapeseed has many beneficial properties. It contains the most optimal amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids for the human body. In addition, it is rich in other important and essential for humans organic acids, which act as a prophylactic agent against cardiovascular diseases. Oleic acid, which is rich in rapeseed oil, perfectly strengthens the walls of blood vessels, removes cholesterol from the body, preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques. The unique properties of rapeseed oil make it an excellent prophylactic agent against cancer.
This product is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, hepatitis and acute cholelithiasis.
