Canola is primarily used in cooking and as an ingredient in various food products, thanks to the vegetable oil extracted from its seeds.
Cooking and Food Production
- Cooking Oil: Canola oil is a common cooking oil due to its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and relatively low saturated fat content. It's suitable for frying, sautéing, baking, and salad dressings.
- Processed Foods: Canola oil is a frequent ingredient in processed foods, including:
- Bread
- Crackers
- Chips
- Margarine
- Salad Dressings
- Baked Goods
Other Applications
While its primary use is in the food industry, canola also finds applications in:
- Biodiesel Production: Canola oil can be converted into biodiesel, an alternative fuel source.
- Animal Feed: Canola meal, the byproduct of oil extraction, is used as a protein-rich animal feed.
- Industrial Uses: Canola oil derivatives can be found in some industrial applications, such as lubricants and hydraulic fluids, though this is less common than food-related uses.