Rapeseed, plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) grown for its seeds, which yield canola, or rapeseed, oil. Canola oil is variously used in cooking, as an ingredient in soap and margarine, and as a lamp fuel (colza oil). Learn more about the plant and its uses.
The rapeseed plant, Brassica napus, is a member of the mustard and cabbage family, Brassicaceae, and one of the world’s most significant oilseed crops. Recognized for its yellow flowers that bloom in vast fields, the plant can reach heights of up to five feet.
Rapeseed, also known as brassica napus, is a flowering plant in the mustard family that is grown for its oil-rich seeds. The seeds are crushed to produce rapeseed oil, which is a popular cooking oil in many parts of the world. Rapeseed oil is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making it a healthy choice for cooking and baking.
Rapeseed is the seed of the rape or rapeseed plant, a member of the mustard family. Unfortunate associations with the name of this plant aside, the plant is actually a major crop in many nations of the world, with the seeds being one of the principal components of the crop, although some cultures also eat the stalks, leaves, and flowers.
Mustard refers to both a plant and its seeds used as a spice, while rapeseed is the seed of the rape plant, primarily used to produce oil.
Rapeseed (Brassica napus) and mustard (Brassica juncea) are both members of the Brassicaceae family and share many similarities, but they also have some morphological differences.
Is that rapeseed or mustard? The two plants are very similar. Here you will learn the differences between mustard and oilseed rape and how to identify mustard plants.