A problem with weeds – the canola story
What is canola?
Canola or rapeseed (Brassica napus) is a bright yellow-flowering member of the Brassicaceae (also known as the mustard) family. It is cultivated for the production of animal feed, vegetable oil for human consumption and biodiesel.
Worldwide, canola was the third leading source of vegetable oil in 2000, after soy and palm oils. Canola is also the world's second leading source of protein meal.
Natural rapeseed oil contains erucic acid, which is mildly toxic to humans in large doses but is used as a food additive in smaller doses. Canola is a specific variety of rapeseed bred to have a low erucic acid content. Canola was developed in Canada. Its name is a combination of 'Canada' and 'oil' (Canadian oil low acid).