HISTORY
Although variations of rapeseed are among the world's oldest cultivated crops, canaola's background doesn't begin until the 1960's. The name is a combination of the words CANADA and OIL. In order to create a healthier oil, Canadian specialists started working to reduce a chemical that produced a bad taste, and several types of fatty acids. Success was reached in the 1970's by plant breeders in Manitoba and it now differs genetically from its plant ancestors. Even the name is a registered trademark of the Canadian Canola Association.
DESCRIPTION
When you see a field of canola, you will be overwhelmed by the yellow colour. These flowers produce pods, similar in shape to pea pods but a fifth the size. Inside each pod are tiny round seeds that are crushed to obtain canola oil. Each seed contains about forty per cent oil. The rest of the seed is made into canola meal, used as high-protein livestock feed.
LOCATION
It's produced extensively in Europe, Asia, Australia, and to a limited extent in the US. In Canada, canola grows well on the prairies due to it's ability to thrive in environments with little water and high daytime but low nighttime temperatures. One reason for its popularity is because the same machinery can be used to harvest canola as other cereal grains. In fact, it's become Canada's major crop, and since 1994 has produced greater agricultural revenues here than wheat.
Here's Jay standing near the seemingly
endless fields of yellow canola in Saskatewan.