Canola seed purchased by processors in Canada is bought on the basis of Canadian Grain Commission Standards. The canola seed is obtained from Brassica campestris and Brassica napus species. Seed should be well matured and contain less than 3.0% damaged seeds including not more than 2.0% distinctly green seeds and not more than 0.1 % heated seeds.
How is canola seed processed?
The process for turning canola seed into oil and meal is similar to how other oilseeds are processed. Seed is preconditioned and pressed to separate the oil from the solids. Further refining and processing create finished canola products, ready for the market or further processing. Most Canadian companies use the same method to process canola seed.
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.
How is canola processed in Canada?
Canola processing facilities are located close to where canola is grown. Canada has 14 crushing and refining facilities that can crush 10 million tonnes of canola annually. Canola seeds go through a series of heating and pressing mechanisms to draw out the oils at the right temperature and quality.