1. Ancestral origins
Also referred to as false flax or German sesame, camelina has been grown in Europe and Central Asia for over 3,000 years. Its grains were used to produce oil, its cake (the solid residue left behind after being pressed) to feed livestock, and its stems to make brooms. Camelina’s cultivation has largely been abandoned in favour of more productive oil-bearing plants, like canola and soy, but it has garnered renewed interest due to its nutritional properties. While camelina is produced here in Canada, its cultivation still remains limited globally.
2. Surprising flavour
Camelina belongs to the cruciferous plant family, which includes canola, mustard, cabbage and broccoli. Its yellow flowers produce tiny ochre-coloured seeds which, when pressed, produce a beautiful golden yellow oil. The crunchy seeds have a rather pronounced flavour reminiscent of mustard seeds. Camelina oil has a mild taste, with herby cabbage, artichoke, sugar snap pea and raw sesame seed aromas.
3. Omega-3 treasure trove
Camelina seeds are high in fibre and rich in omega-3, a fatty acid known for its beneficial effects on heart and brain health. It’s also a good source of vitamin E and antioxidants. One drawback is that since camelina is mustard’s cousin, it’s possible it could cause a reaction in people who are allergic to mustard.
4. Long storage time
You can find camelina seeds and oil in many grocery and natural food stores. Their high vitamin E and antioxidant content keeps them from going rancid. Once opened, a bottle of camelina oil can keep for up to six months at room temperature. We suggest then transferring it into the refrigerator where, unlike olive oil, it won’t solidify.
5. Cooking with camelina
Take advantage of this omega-3 gold mine by adding camelina seeds to your muffins and energy bars. Toast and sprinkle them onto fish, in salads, soups and stir-fries. Camelina oil, which stands up to high heat, can be used to pan-fry or grill. You can also add a drizzle to hummus, on greens and bruschetta. Try our recipe for roasted sweet potatoes with camelina oil or a green smoothie bowl topped with camelina seeds!
Feel like giving camelina a try? Here are a few ways to add it to your dishes: