What is Canola Oil?

Canola oil comes from the crushed seeds of the canola plant. Canola is grown primarily in the prairie regions of Western Canada.

1

It's Truly Canadian!

The Canadian canola story.

In a few decades, canola has become one of the world's most important oilseeds and one of Canada's leading crops. Today canola is a true “made-in-Canada” success story and the foundation of a thriving, sustainable industry.

Canola grown in Canada belongs to the Brassica napus B. rapa or B. juncea species which belong to a much larger mustard family (Brassicaceae). Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are also part of this same botanical family.

One of the most widely grown crops in Canada, canola plants produce beautiful small yellow flowers which develop into pods, resembling pea pods. Each pod contains tiny black seeds, made up of about 45% oil.

Once harvested, canola seeds are crushed to release the oil contained within the seed.

2

It's Supporting Canadian Farmers

Canola brings diversity to the farm and grows very well on the Canadian prairies. It has become one of Canada's most valuable agricultural exports and an important source of income for 43,000 Canadian farmers. Today more than 207,000 Canadian jobs are linked to canola - and the crop's potential continues to grow. Renewable biofuels are the latest opportunity to expand uses for Canadian canola.

3

It's Healthy

Low in saturated fat with the highest source of plant-based omega-3 fats among all common cooking oils. Not to mention, pennies per serving, this kitchen powerhouse is easy on the wallet making it a great value for health.

The solid parts of canola seed, after the oil has been squeezed out, are processed into canola meal, an efficient protein source for dairy herds, livestock, poultry and fish. Canola meal has the potential to be a plant-based protein for human diets, as well.

Most importantly, biofuels are ready to use right now. That's a clear advantage over other technologies requiring gradual adoption.

When canola-based biofuels play a bigger role in Canada's fuel supply, we will achieve real and immediate benefits for the environment, the economy and the whole canola value chain.

4

Its Future is Bright

Canadian canola is used in biofuel production around the world because it's a low-carbon, sustainable and renewable resource - and it's in abundant supply.

When blended into diesel fuel, canola-based biofuel can be used by passenger vehicles and trucks, as well as off-road equipment used in mining, forestry, construction, agriculture and marine industries.

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