Canola
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- For the figure in Celtic mythology see Canola (Celtic mythology)
In agriculture, Canola is a cultivar of the rapeseed plant from which rapeseed oil is obtained.
It is a trademarked cultivar of rape initially bred in Canada by Keith Downey and Baldur Stefansson. Rapeseed oil was produced in the 19th century as a source of a lubricant for steam engines. However, the oil had a bitter taste due to high levels of glucosilolates (mustard flavor). The oil was also shown to cause heart lesions due to high levels of erucic acid. Canola has been bred to reduce the amount of glucosinolates and erucic acid, yielding a palatable oil. Canola = CANadian Oil Less Acid.
In some areas, notably the United States, the cultivar name 'Canola' is (incorrectly) applied to all rapeseed plants, including the many other cultivars.