On this page :
Rapeseed oil [1] [1]
Walnut and Hazelnut oil [2] [2]
Olive-Flax Oil [3] [3]
Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil [4] [4]
Rapeseed oil [5]
Rapeseed oil, which is also known as canola in the USA, is produced from the seed of the yellow-blossomed rape (colza) plant. It contains all three omega fatty acids as well as vitamin E. It is said to be one of the healthiest culinary oils available and is low in saturated fat with heart healthy properties. Although most people don’t realise it, a lot of vegetable spreads and oils in the UK are actually made from or include rapeseed oil, however, it is often highly refined and artificially treated. Our organic [6] oil is unrefined, cold pressed and GM free. In terms of natural farming, rapeseed is also becoming more popular as it can be used in rotation with other grains such as wheat, maintaining a healthy balance in the soil.
The flavour of rapeseed oil is much more subtle than oils such as olive, which makes it ideal for dishes where a gentler taste is required. In cold dishes it adds a hint of nuttiness, so it is delicious in salad dressings [5] [7], dipping sauces [6] [8], marinated vegetables and hummus. It can also be used to make flapjacks, crostini or drizzled onto soups [7] [9] or guacamole [8] [10].
Find out more:
Oil and nutrition [9] [11](British Nutrition Foundation)
The Food Programme [10] [12] (BBC Radio 4) – rapeseed oil
Walnut [11] [13] and Hazelnut oil [12] [14]
As with all of the Clearspring oils, walnut and hazelnut oil are delicious and have health giving properties. While both of them contain omega 3, 6 and 9, hazelnut oil has 69g of omega 9 per 100ml, which is the highest level of all our oils, and walnut oil has 55g of omega 6 per 100ml. They also contain vitamin E.
Both oils are fantastic in salad dressing [5] [15] Hazelnut and orange go together very well - dress a salad of orange slices and chicory with hazelnut oil and Clearspring Traditional Sea Salt [13] [16]. Walnuts and pear are a traditional, seasonal combination – serve roasted pear with curly endive, celery and whole grain mustard and walnut oil dressing. For an extra moist and delicious carrot or apple cake [14] [17], add a touch of hazelnut oil to the batter or add it to your pastry in our lemon tart [15] [18] recipe 3 for a delicious nutty, biscuity finish. Drizzle walnut oil over roasted pumpkin ravioli for a rich finish or make a tasty pesto [16] [19] using walnut oil and toasted walnuts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------Olive-Flax Oil [20]
Flax oil (or linseed as it is also known) has long been used as a functional oil. In recent years most people have eaten high doses of omega -6 and not enough omega -3; using Clearspring Olive-Flax Oil is a great way to start redressing the balance as it contains both. On top of this it contains omega -9 and vitamin E, which is beneficial for healthy skin. However, on its own it cannot be heated to very high temperatures as it starts to smoke quickly.
Extra virgin olive oil on the other hand is a very stable oil that can protect the more fragile flax oil. We’ve chosen one which is rich in antioxidants which are said to help in cancer prevention, so, they complement each other perfectly. It is also low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fat which can possibly help to reduce cholesterol. [17] [21]
At temperatures below 100ºC, Clearspring Olive-Flax Oil can be used in a wide range of dishes. With the addition of a little Clearspring Traditional Sea Salt, Clearspring Olive-Flax Oil makes a good alternative to margarine when drizzled on to warm vegetables or potatoes. It gives a delicious velvety texture to smoothies, soups, risottos and stews. It also makes a tasty salad dressing [5] [22] with the pepperiness of olive oil and the sweet, nutty flavour of a seed oil and it can even be added to bread dough instead of olive oil or butter. It is fantastic with grains and pulses too, so, try adding it to our barley sweet corn salad [18] [23] or split pea soup [19] [24]. If you really want to make the most of the flavour simply dip some warm bread into it and enjoy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------Organic Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil [25]
Clearspring Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil [20] [26] is both nutritious and delicious. It has a dark green colour, a silky texture and a luscious nutty flavour. It is naturally pressed in Austria using local Styrian pumpkins. Interestingly these pumpkins are grown for their seeds rather than their flesh. The seeds have no outer shell, which makes them ideal for pressing into oil and for use into healthy snacks such as Clearspring Organic Roasted Styrian Pumpkin Seeds [21] [27].
They are also packed with vitamins and minerals including A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E, and K, calcium and zinc and the essential fatty acids omega -3 and -6. It is said that pumpkin oil is beneficial in the treatment of urinary tract infections and the prevention of prostate cancer.
Toasted pumpkin seed oil is a versatile cooking ingredient which can be used in a plenty of different dishes. Try mixing it with some freshly squeezed orange juice and a dash of Clearspring Balsamic Vinegar [22] [28] for a delicious dressing. Drizzle this over grated apple, carrot and Clearspring Organic Roasted Styrian Pumpkin Seeds [21] [29] for a healthy and nutritious salad. Alternatively you can make an interesting pesto by blending a little Clearspring Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil [20] [30] with basil, garlic, almonds and a pinch of Clearspring Traditional Sea Salt [13] [31]. It also complements the earthy flavour of wild rice dishes and adds a nutty richness to soups. If you really want to go pumpkin crazy why not make a batch of spicy pumpkin soup and drizzle pumpkin oil on top, it is October after all!
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