Flaxseed, or Linum usitatissimum, has a rich past. With growing interest in healthy oils, flaxseed also has a promising future. Also referred to as linseed oil, flaxseed oil once was a sought-after wood preservative that is still available on hardware store shelves. The origin of this precious commodity is truly ancient history.
Ancient Egypt
The first culture to use the beneficial oils and fibers of the flax plant was Ancient Egypt. Early Egyptian civilizations relied on the fibers for weaving clothing and fishing nets, while the precious oil and fiber of flax plants served medicinal purposes. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that, throughout history, flaxseed fiber served as a laxative. Today, flaxseed oil is a dietary soldier in the fight against heart disease.
U.S. Flax Production
During the early 1800s, flax crops entered the U.S. agricultural market. Two types of flax presently grow in the United States, each of which has a separate purpose. Farmers grow fiber flax for textiles such as linen and seed flax for its oily seeds. Most of the U.S. flax production takes place in North Dakota, where the primary focus is on growing food-grade seed flax for linseed oil, according to North Dakota State University.
Flaxseeds
Growers harvest flaxseeds when the pods turn brown. After several months of dry storage, heat-pressing or crushing of the seeds triggers the release of linseed oil. The University of Minnesota explains that, after pressing, the seeds are ground into meal for animal feed. Similar to fish oil, the oil derived from flax seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids -- specifically alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. In fact, a single tablespoon of flaxseeds contains approximately 7 grams of ALA.
Flaxseed Oil Handling
Once extracted from the seeds, flaxseed oil requires proper storage. Manufacturers store flaxseed oil in dark, sealed bottles to protect it from sunlight. According to VegFamily, an open bottle of flaxseed oil remains fresh for up to six weeks when refrigerated. Flaxseed oil that no longer is palatable gives off an unsavory odor and should be discarded, so it is important to check the expiration date prior to use. Freezing flaxseed oil extends its shelf life.
References
- North Dakota State University; Flax Production in North Dakota; Duane R. Berglund, et al.; August 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed Oil
- University of Minnesota; Alternative Feeds For Dairy Cattle…; Harouna A. Maiga, et al.; December 1997
- VegFamily; Flaxseeds and Flaxseed Oil: Practical Pointers; Brenda Davis, R.D.
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