Rapeseed oil

What is Rapeseed oil?

Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, is a type of vegetable oil that is made from the seeds of the rapeseed plant. It is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and low in saturated fats, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking oils.

Rapeseed oil is commonly used for cooking, baking, and frying due to its high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and producing harmful substances. It is also used as an ingredient in salad dressings, sauces, and mayonnaise.

In addition to its culinary uses, rapeseed oil has a variety of other applications, including as a biofuel, lubricant, and in the production of soaps and detergents.

Rapeseed oil Production in the World

The global production of Rapeseed Oil plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2022, Germany is the top producer, contributing 3,722,400 tonnes, which accounts for 13.95% of the total global production. Canada ranks second, producing 3,651,955 tonnes, representing 13.68% of the world's output. Other significant producers include China, India, and France, with production levels of 3,621,500, 3,448,800, and 1,838,300 tonnes, respectively. Kyrgyzstan has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 2 tonnes in 2022. In total, global production of Rapeseed Oil reached approximately 26,690,989 tonnes in 2022.

Top 10 countries by Rapeseed oil production 2022

Countries Ranked by Rapeseed Oil Production in 2022

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025

Rank	Country	Production (Tonnes)
1	Germany	3,722,400
2	Canada	3,651,955
3	China	3,621,500
4	India	3,448,800
5	France	1,838,300
6	Poland	1,362,700
7	Russia	998,494
8	Japan	886,060
9	United States	803,000
10	United Kingdom	727,900
11	Belgium	622,100
12	Australia	539,800
13	Mexico	457,800
14	Belarus	433,700
15	United Arab Emirates	401,900
16	Czech Republic	395,600
17	Pakistan	329,200
18	Denmark	275,800
19	Bangladesh	217,000
20	Netherlands	180,000
21	Romania	160,400
22	Sweden	149,300
23	Austria	135,300
24	Hungary	116,700
25	Iran	107,400
26	Slovakia	95,500
27	Lithuania	84,200
28	Spain	81,100
29	Ukraine	79,700
30	Finland	65,100
31	Turkiye	65,100
32	Estonia	61,100
33	South Africa	56,600
34	Latvia	56,000
35	Chile	54,100
36	Portugal	48,600
37	Kazakhstan	46,069
38	Bulgaria	40,900
39	Switzerland	35,138
40	Brazil	34,500
41	Uruguay	30,000
42	Italy	29,800
43	Paraguay	28,400
44	Nepal	23,566
45	Malaysia	21,700
46	Croatia	18,500
47	Greece	9,600
48	Algeria	7,859
49	Ireland	6,643
50	Bosnia and Herzegovina	6,400
51	Serbia	6,321
52	Ethiopia	5,100
53	Norway	4,400
54	South Korea	1,600
55	Argentina	1,159
56	Moldova	1,100
57	Uzbekistan	515
58	Morocco	500
59	Mongolia	393
60	Slovenia	200
61	Israel	161
62	Iceland	140
63	North Macedonia	114
64	Kyrgyzstan	2

Health Benefits of Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, has several health benefits, including:

Heart health: Rapeseed oil is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Rapeseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Improved insulin sensitivity: Some studies have shown that rapeseed oil may improve insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Improved brain function: Omega-3 fatty acids found in rapeseed oil are also important for brain function and can help improve cognitive performance.
Skin health: Rapeseed oil is rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Reduced cancer risk: Some studies have suggested that rapeseed oil may have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer.

In general, rapeseed oil is a nutritious oil that can be beneficial to a well-rounded diet. Nonetheless, it is crucial to consume it in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.

Nutritional Information of Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil is a good source of healthy fats and other nutrients. Here is a breakdown of the nutrition in rapeseed oil per 100 grams:

Calories: 884
Total fat: 100g
Saturated fat: 7g
Monounsaturated fat: 61g
Polyunsaturated fat: 28g
Omega-3 fatty acids: 9g
Omega-6 fatty acids: 19g
Vitamin E: 17mg
Vitamin K: 71mcg

Consuming rapeseed oil in moderation as part of a balanced diet is crucial since it is high in calories and fat. Additionally, selecting high-quality, cold-pressed rapeseed oil is necessary to maximize nutrient content.

Regional Variety of Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, is produced from the seeds of various regional varieties of the rapeseed plant. These varieties have distinct characteristics and preferred uses. Here are some examples of regional rapeseed oil varieties and their common uses:

Canadian Canola Oil: Canada is one of the leading producers of canola oil, derived from Canadian rapeseed varieties. Canadian canola oil is known for its mild flavor, light texture, and high smoke point, making it suitable for various cooking methods, including frying, sautéing, and baking. It is a versatile oil used in both household and commercial cooking applications.
European Rapeseed Oil: Europe is a significant producer of rapeseed oil, and different European countries have their regional varieties. European rapeseed oil is often characterized by a slightly nutty flavor and a medium smoke point. It is commonly used in salad dressings and marinades and as a finishing oil for its distinct flavor profile.
Australian Canola Oil: Australia produces canola oil from locally grown rapeseed varieties. Australian canola oil is known for its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and stability. It is a popular choice for deep-frying, stir-frying, and other high-heat cooking methods. It is also used as a general-purpose cooking oil in both commercial and home kitchens.
Indian Mustard Oil: In India, rapeseed oil is commonly known as mustard oil. Indian mustard oil has a strong, pungent flavor and aroma, reminiscent of mustard seeds. It is widely used in Indian cuisine for cooking, frying, and tempering spices. Mustard oil is also used in traditional Ayurvedic practices and as a condiment in some regional dishes.

It's important to note that the availability of specific rapeseed oil varieties may vary depending on the region and local markets. The uses mentioned above are general guidelines, and rapeseed oil can be used in a wide range of culinary applications based on personal preference and regional culinary traditions.

Types of Rapeseed oil

There are several types of rapeseed oil available on the market, including:

Refined rapeseed oil: This is the most commonly available type of rapeseed oil. It is refined using a process that involves high heat and chemicals to remove impurities and improve its flavor and shelf life.
Cold-pressed rapeseed oil: This type of rapeseed oil is produced using a mechanical process that involves crushing the seeds and extracting the oil without the use of heat or chemicals. Cold-pressed rapeseed oil is considered to be more natural and retains more of its nutritional value and flavor.
Organic rapeseed oil: This type of rapeseed oil is produced from organically grown rapeseed plants without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It is often cold-pressed and unrefined.
High oleic rapeseed oil: This type of rapeseed oil has been developed to have a higher level of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is known for its health benefits. High oleic rapeseed oil is often used in the food industry and the production of biodiesel.
Blended rapeseed oil: Some manufacturers blend rapeseed oil with other oils, such as rapeseed-oil or sunflower oil, to create a product with a specific flavor or nutritional profile.

The selection of rapeseed oil type will mainly rely on individual preferences and the intended use. It is highly recommended to read the label and opt for a high-quality and minimally processed product.

Uses of Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, has several uses, including:

Cooking: Rapeseed oil is a popular cooking oil due to its high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and producing harmful substances. It is a good choice for frying, baking, roasting, and sautéing.
Salad dressings and marinades: Rapeseed oil has a mild flavor and is a popular choice for making salad dressings and marinades. It can be used on its own or mixed with other oils, vinegar, and herbs to create a flavorful dressing or marinade.
Baking: Rapeseed oil can be used as a substitute for butter or margarine in baking recipes to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
Biofuel: Rapeseed oil is also used as a biofuel, particularly in Europe, where it is blended with diesel fuel to reduce emissions.
Industrial uses: Rapeseed oil is used in the production of soaps, lubricants, and other industrial products.

In general, rapeseed oil is a versatile oil that has many possible uses. Nevertheless, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.