Vast fields of vibrant yellow flowers stretch out for miles in the Canadian Prairies. These beautiful blooms are rapeseed flowers, more commonly known as canola flowers.

Rapeseed oil was originally used as a lubricant for steam engines. In the 1970s it was refined by Canadian plant breeders to eliminate toxins and its bitter taste, turning it into a cooking oil. Cooking with rapeseed oil is a healthy option, as it only contains six per cent saturated fat, which is the lowest among cooking oils. 

Rapeseed oil also has a relatively high smoke point, so when you're cooking with rapeseed oil, it has to be at a high temperature before it breaks down and starts to smoke. This makes it a great all-purpose oil. 

Because this oil has a mild flavour, cooking with rapeseed oil won't alter the taste of food. As such, rapeseed oil is best used for sauteing, grilling and baking. 

Check out the following recipes to find inspiration for using rapeseed oil in your everyday cooking.

3 recipes using rapeseed oil
1. Carrot Lentil Soup
Lentils are very high in folate and fibre and are a good source of vegetable protein. Serve with a whole grain baguette and a salad of half spinach and half romaine tossed with dressing.

2. Dairy-Free Cinnamon Walnut Mandelbrot
Canola oil gives these biscotti-like cookies a crispness, which makes them perfect for dipping in coffee or hot chocolate. Vegans can make a slightly crunchier version with egg replacer, a nonanimal product available at health food stores; use according to directions on the box for one large egg.

3. Couscous Bean Patties with Salad in Pita Pockets
Black beans and whole wheat couscous contribute soluble and insoluble fibres to these vegetarian burgers, which are tasty tucked into whole wheat pitas along with chopped salad.