News

Rapeseed oil winning over home cooks

27 January 2012

Cooks across the UK are swapping their olive oil for cold-pressed rapeseed oil according to Waitrose, which reports that British rapeseed is the fastest growing oil in its entire range. 

Sales of rapeseed oil are up 26 per cent year on year - in volume. In comparison olive oils are up 1.6 per cent.

Waitrose stock several brands of rapeseed oil including Summer Harvest, grown and produced a family-run farm outside Crieff in Perthshire. All rapeseed oil sold by Waitrose is sourced from UK farmers.

Waitrose grocery buyer Carla Smith says,
“Rapeseed oil is rising in popularity for two reasons. It’s a healthier choice because it has half the saturated fat of olive oil and contains a good balance of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.

"It also appeals to consumers wanting to support British farmers – all the rapeseed oil we sell is produced in the UK.”

“The response we’ve had to our oil over the last couple of years from chefs and home cooks demonstrates there’s a real appetite for good quality, healthy and locally produced food in Scotland,” said Mark Bush, Summer Harvest.

Rapeseed oil is ideal for roasting, stir-fries, marinades and dressings because it has a light and slightly nutty taste. It also has a high burn/flash point at 240 degrees C making it ideal for frying.

The popularity of rapeseed oil has also been influenced by its increasing use in top restaurants and by top chefs. Scottish chefs Andrew Fairlie, Jacqueline O'Donnell, Neil Forbes, Paul Wedgwood and Michael Smith are all fans of the oil.

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For further information contact Pagoda PR on Tel: 0131 556 0770 or email Giselle.dye@pagodapr.com or esther.black@pagodapr.com

Notes for Editors
1. Summer Harvest cold pressed rapeseed oil is stocked in all four of Waitrose’s Scottish stores.
2. Summer Harvest is produced on Ferneyfold Farm near Crieff where the Cameron family have grown oilseed rape for more than 25 years. The Summer Harvest brand has gone from strength to strength, the company won Great Taste Awards in 2010 and 2011
according to Waitrose, which reports that British rapeseed is the fastest growing oil in its entire range.