Rapeseed, whose scientific name is Brassica napus, also known as rape, or oilseed rape, is a bright-yellow flowering member of the family Brassicaceae (mustard or cabbage family), cultivated mainly for its oil-rich seed. It is the third-largest source of vegetable oil and the second-largest source of protein meal in the world.

It is considered as one of the most common oilseed crops. Rapeseed cultivation remains sustainable, and the major producing countries consider it a strategic crop. This is largely conditioned by the importance of rapeseed oil: as a food product (with its commercial name Canola Oil), it may well compete with olive oil, reduce blood cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and strokes. It is widely used in industry as a biofuel (known as Rapeseed oil).

Market overview and production

Rapeseed cultivation has been known in Argentina since 1930. Throughout the years, and after major improvements, this crop has become an excellent option for our country both for producers and for industry, as Argentina is one of the main exporting countries of vegetable oils and rapeseed the second oil crop in importance in the world.

Oil production in Argentina is focused almost exclusively on summer crops. The rapeseed, with its harvest time between winter and spring, enters the market at another time of the year, so it supplies the industry at times when it remains partly inactive and does not overlap other oilseeds. South and South-eastern Buenos Aires and Eastern La Pampa, is the area where most of the rapeseed plants can be found.

Frequently asked questions

What is rapeseed? It is a bright-yellow flowering member of the family Brassicaceae, considered as the second oil crop in importance in the world.

Which are its benefits? Canola oil is naturally low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fat, which is excellent for your health. It is also rich in vitamin E, omega 3 and omega 6.

What is the difference between canola and rapeseed oil? The term 'rapeseed oil' is used to refer to the oil for industrial use (lubricant for machineries, biodiesel), whereas 'Canola oil' is used to refer to the edible cooking oil.

Is canola oil gluten free? Yes, it is gluten free and it is also non-allergenic which means that it will not cause any allergic reactions in your body.

Where can I purchase canola oil in bulk? You can purchase at Directoro direct from producers.