Rapeseed is primarily used for producing rapeseed oil, which is widely utilized in cooking, baking, food processing, and as an ingredient in margarine and soap. This oil also finds industrial uses as a lubricant for jet engines and can be processed into biodiesel. The leftover seed residue after oil extraction is used as animal feed. Besides oil, rapeseed is used as a cover crop and green manure to improve soil quality. There are ongoing research efforts to make rapeseed protein safe for human consumption, expanding its potential as a plant protein source. Additionally, cold-pressed rapeseed oil is used in skincare for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Main Uses of Rapeseed
- Oil production for cooking, baking, margarine, soap, and lamp fuel.
- Industrial lubricant and biodiesel production.
- Animal feed from seed residue (rapeseed cake).
- Cover crop and green manure to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health.
- Emerging use as a plant-based protein source for humans after removing bitter substances.
- Skincare applications using cold-pressed oil for moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Other Uses
- The rapeseed hulls can be used to make bio-based insulating materials.
- Bioactive compounds from rapeseed may be used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Rapeseed oil is valued for its high oleic acid and vitamin E content and is being developed to have properties similar to olive oil, making it healthier for human consumption.
