TASTE Camelina Oil carries a light, earthy fragrance and tastes slightly nutty on the palate. Other words or phrases that have been used to describe this oil are: fresh, green, asparagus-like, carries a hint of cauliflower, incredibly unique.
BENEFITS Camelina Oil is unique in that it provides the necessary daily intake of Omega-3 fatty acids that our body requires while at the same time has the ability to function as a culinary oil.
Olive oil is abundant in mono-unsaturated fat and functions as a cooking oil but does not have the nutritional advantages of Omega-3 that are inherent in Camelina oil.
Flax oil is known as the Omega-3 champion. However, flax is an unstable source of Omega-3 and has a limited shelf life. It does not withstand heat and does not have a favourable taste profile. It is not suitable for culinary applications.
Grapeseed and Avocado Oil are both known for their high smoke points and cooking benefits. However, they do not have the Omega-3 content that Camelina Oil has and neither have the balanced fatty acid profile that is known to be beneficial for the human body.
PROPERTIES Camelina can be used for a large variety of culinary purposes. It can be used for cold applications, such as in spreads, dips, marinades and dressings. It can also be used at moderate to high levels of heat given it has a smoke point of 475°F. Camelina Oil can be used like any other culinary oil you carry in your kitchen (olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc.)
STORAGE Though Camelina is highly polyunsaturated and rich in Omega-3, it remains a stable oil due to its high levels of natural Vitamin E. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in vegetable oils and allows for a longer shelf life. Camelina has been shown to have a shelf life of 18 months without refrigeration. Refrigeration is optional – it will not congeal in cooler temperatures.
ORIGIN Camelina is an ancient oilseed that originated in parts of Northern Europe and Central Asia. This oil was commonly used for culinary purposes throughout Europe up until the mid-1940s. It is a NON-GMO oilseed with many health attributes attached to it due to the high levels of Omega-3 inherent in the oil.
LOCALLY PRODUCED Our Camelina is produced in southeast Saskatchewan near a town called Midale. The three farmers are all located in this region and the oil is cold-pressed in their own local facility.