colza (käl′zə)

noun

any of several plants (genus Brassica) of the crucifer family, esp. rape, whose seeds yield an oil used in lubricants, salad dressings, etc.
this oil
in full colza oil
Origin: Fr < Du koolzaad < kool, a cabbage (akin to cole) + zaad, seed
Webster's New World

The scientists deny any link over and over but many people report a reaction to it. We certainly do.>>

they need to listen to the Archers. Linda Snell goes through the same agonies as you, Mark, so it much be true.

Sap, canola oil is not supposed to be used for cooking.

Rapeseed is very allergenic - and is banned in some parts of Europe for that reason.

(Tecnically, it's the GM strains that are banned in some countries, but it's the allergy aspect that's the main concern not the genetic manipulation per se).

Olive oil should not be used for high temperature cooking either. The principal French cooking oil is sunflower oil and in the coming months you will see just as much of that in the French fields as rapeseed in April and May.

Why shouldn't olive oil be used in cooking? I use it at home all the time but don't really cook on high heat as in deep frying. Only sauteing or roasting.

Olive oil is widely used for cooking in France, especially in the South, as it withstands very high temperatures. Other cooking oils are peanut oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, corn oil.

Yes Olive oil is used mainly in the south but NOT
the virgin olive oil.

>>>It stinks. Makes you sneeze and the eyes water. Chest and throat go tight and breathing becomes difficult.<<<

Must be some different rape from the one grown here. It does not stink. It has no smell at all. And I have never heard of anyone being allergic to rape oil. And no, it certainly is not gene manipulated.

sap, see also the beginning of that stupid mail. It says in red "false". The writing below the email says for example: "Rapeseed oil has been used for cooking for centuries in Europe, India, China and Japan." At least where I live it is in the lists of healthy eating, right next to 100% rye bread, berries and fish.

''And no, it certainly is not gene manipulated.''

There are both GM and non-GM strains of rapeseed. And the dietary aspect and allergenicity are two entirely separate things. No one has said it is unsafe or unhealthy to eat. The pollen is however, highly allergenic to many people.

>>>There are both GM and non-GM strains of rapeseed<<<

Sure, but gene manipulated only in countries where it is allowed.

i have never heard a european say anything good about fields of rape seed. generally (at least in my experience) it is very much frowned upon for the reasons mentioned here but also many people think these vast fields are ugly and unnatural looking...a scourge to the natural beauty of the countryside.

i'm pretty neutral but things like >>>It's all over Europe in the spring. It's rape seed and very beautiful to look at.>>>> i have certainly NEVER heard before!!!

Canola fields are part of the landscape in the far North of Germany and have been for decades, and no one complains about them - on the contrary, everyone loves the colour. People travel this region on purpose when they are in bloom.

In France they are photographed alot because of their beauty.

Well, I'm just completely confused now (sigh).

walkinaround is always offended whenever anyone tries to romanticize europe. endless fields of yellow blossoms? pah!!! hideous!!!!

for those who have neever seen these fields here are some
photos:

http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/colza,scenery

The farmers like them well enough.:)

As to not cooking with olive oil, I've been doing it for over 20 years and hadn't noticed that it didn't work. :-?

So, do French chefs use sunflower oil quite a bit, or is it frowned upon as un-gourmet?

Maybe I'll be reduced to eating my food raw.