Canola Facts for Kids

Canola refers to both an edible oil (canola oil) and a type of Brassicaceae plant.

The plant is a special kind of Brassica napus, Brassica rapa or Brassica juncea. These plants are grown for their tiny seeds, which are used to make canola cooking oil. This oil is widely used for preparing food. It's also considered good for people's health because it has very little saturated fat and a lot of polyunsaturated fats, which are healthier types of fats.

Besides cooking, there are also other ways to use canola oil. One important use is to produce biodiesel fuel for cars and trucks.

What is Canola?
How Canola Oil is Made
Uses of Canola Oil
- Canola Oil for Cooking
- Other Uses for Canola
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What is Canola?

Canola is a plant that looks a bit like a wild mustard plant, with bright yellow flowers. It belongs to the Brassica family, which includes many common vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Canola plants are grown in large fields, especially in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States. Farmers harvest the plants when their seeds are ready.

How Canola Oil is Made

After the canola plants are harvested, their tiny seeds are collected. These seeds are then crushed and pressed to extract the oil. The oil is then cleaned and refined to make it ready for use in cooking and other products. What's left of the seeds after the oil is removed is called canola meal, which is often used as a high-protein food for farm animals.

Uses of Canola Oil

Canola oil is one of the most popular cooking oils around the world. It has a light flavor and a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to high temperatures without burning. This makes it great for frying, baking, and salad dressings.

Canola Oil for Cooking

Many people choose canola oil for cooking because of its health benefits. It is low in saturated fat, which is a type of fat that can raise cholesterol levels if eaten too much. Instead, canola oil is rich in unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for a healthy heart.

Other Uses for Canola

Beyond the kitchen, canola oil has several other important uses. It can be turned into biodiesel, which is a cleaner-burning fuel for vehicles. This helps reduce pollution compared to traditional fossil fuels. Canola oil is also used in some industrial products, like lubricants, inks, and even some cosmetics.