Canola was bred from rapeseed cultivars of B. napus and B. rapa at the University of Manitoba, Canada, by Keith Downey and Baldur R. Stefansson in the early 1970s, having then a different nutritional profile than present-day oil in addition to much less erucic acid.
Which countries produce canola oil seeds?
The major producers of canola oil seeds are the European Union, Canada, China, and India. The European Union and Canada are among the leading producers, and the Canola (and Rapeseed) oil is the 3rd leading source of vegetable oil, after soybean and palm oil.
What is the process for canola seed processing?
To process canola seeds, we need basic equipment including a Seed Cleaner, Seed Cooker/Kettle, Oil Press, Filter Press, Steam Boiler, Screw Conveyors, and Bucket Elevators. The process begins with seed cleaning, where canola seeds are separated and cleaned to remove impurities such as dust, metal, and plant stalks.
How is canola oil made?
Canola oil is made at a processing facility by slightly heating and then crushing the seed. Almost all commercial canola oil is then extracted using hexane solvent, which is recovered at the end of processing.