Filling the fields with yellow
At this time of year the fields in the country are changing into a sea of yellow. This is because oilseed rape or rapeseed as it is known comes into flower in May. The name comes from the Latin for turnip and was first used at the end of the 14th century that is about 1500. It is part of the mustard and cabbage family.
Rapeseed is grown for the production of animal feed, for humans as vegetable oil and more recently into bio diesel for cars. It is grown in the UK and Europe, United States, 
Australia, China and India. However, it has been linked with asthma as some have suggested the pollen from the plants increases breathing difficulties when it travels in the air. Asthma is where something irritates the airways in the body, nose and throat, and this makes it difficult to breath, we can feel bunged up as if we had a cold.
Bio diesel is a fairly new fuel for powering motor vehicles. Bio diesel can be used in its pure form in newer engines without causing any damage. It is frequently combined with ordinary diesel with about 2% to 20% being added. Rapeseed is popular for this because it produces more oil per unit of land compared to other sources such as soy beans.
In recent years we have seen far more oils used in cooking such as Olive and other vegetable oils. Rapeseed oil is now used and the oil is obtained by pressing or crushing the plants without the need for any heat. This is known as cold pressing and produces healthier oil. Until recently rapeseed oil wasn’t eaten by humans because it contained too much of something called erucic acid. This is mildly poisonous in large amounts. But now it is grown in such a way there is little of the acid left. It is now one of the best fats for cooking food in as the type of fat in the oil does much less damage to the heart than ordinary fats.
The rapeseed oil is sometimes known as canola oil and is very versatile. It can be mixed with balsamic vinegar to make a 
great dressing for salads and can be used to make delicious roast potatoes. It can also be used for stir fries and has a nutty taste that is not too strong. It should be kept in a cool dark place. The oil contains omega 3 and 6. These are good for the body but can’t be produced by it. We need to eat the omega products in our diet.
Rapeseed oil is becoming more and more popular with chefs because of its health benefits. It also has Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant and Vitamin D is good for bones and for helping us fight disease.
Date
6/5/2008
