Camelina
Camelina (Camelina sativa), also known as false flax or gold-of-pleasure, is an ancient oilseed crop belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It produces small, golden-brown seeds that are rich in oil content, typically around 30-40%. The oil extracted from Camelina seeds is prized for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, making it valuable in food, feed, cosmetic, and industrial applications. Camelina oil has a mild, nutty flavor and a favorable fatty acid profile including linolenic acid, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional vegetable oils. The crop is noted for its short growing season, low input requirements, and adaptability to marginal soils and climates.
Camelina Uses
Primary UsesÂ
- Food Industry
- Used as a specialty edible oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, suitable for salad dressings, cooking, and as a nutritional supplement.
- Incorporated into health foods, nutraceuticals, and functional foods for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Used as an ingredient in bakery products and snacks to improve nutritional profile.
- Animal Feed
- Press cake (residual meal after oil extraction) is used as a high-protein feed supplement for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture.
- Enhances omega-3 content in animal products (meat, milk, eggs) when included in feed.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Camelina oil is utilized in skin and hair care products due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.
- Commonly found in lotions, creams, balms, and hair conditioners.
- Industrial Applications
- Used as a bio-based feedstock for biofuels, lubricants, and bioplastics due to its renewable nature and favorable oil properties.
- Applied in environmentally friendly coatings and paints.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Research
- Investigated for cardioprotective and anti-cancer effects linked to its bioactive compounds.
- Explored in formulations targeting skin health and wound healing.
- Agronomy & Crop Rotation
- Employed as a rotational crop to improve soil health and reduce pests in sustainable agriculture systems.
- Used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and improve water retention.
- Wildlife & Pollinator Support
- Camelina flowers provide nectar for bees and beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Scientific Name: Camelina sativa
- Common/Trade Name: Camelina, False Flax, Gold-of-Pleasure
- CAS Number: Not applicable (natural product)
- HS Code: 120799 (Seeds for sowing, other oil seeds)
- Synonyms:
- Wild flax
- Gold of pleasure
- Camelina oilseed
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Oilseed (dry seeds), and cold-pressed oil
- Seed Appearance: Small, oval, golden-brown seeds
- Oil Color: Pale yellow to golden oil
- Oil Odor & Taste: Mild, nutty aroma and flavor
- Oil Composition:
- High in polyunsaturated fatty acids (40-45% alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3)
- Contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid
- Rich in tocopherols (natural antioxidants)
- Density: ~0.92 g/cm³ (oil)
- Smoke Point: ~225°C (refined oil)
- Shelf Life: 6–12 months under proper storage
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use
- Allergenicity: Low allergenic potential; however, those with mustard or related seed allergies should exercise caution
- Toxicity: Non-toxic; no known adverse health effects when consumed or used topically in recommended amounts
- Handling: Avoid inhalation of dust from seeds; use proper PPE during processing
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store seeds and oil in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent rancidity and moisture damage
- Container Type: Airtight containers, preferably opaque or dark glass bottles for oil
- Shelf Life: Seeds – up to 1 year under proper conditions; Oil – 6 to 12 months refrigerated
- Special Handling: Minimize exposure to heat, light, and air to preserve oil quality
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Food Safety: Approved as edible oil by FDA and EFSA; compliant with food grade standards
- Organic Certification: Available as organic certified product when grown under approved practices
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous; standard shipment conditions apply
- Waste Disposal: Residual seed cake is biodegradable and can be used as animal feed or soil amendment
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Minimal environmental impact; biodegradable and sustainable crop
- Carbon Footprint: Low carbon footprint compared to many traditional oil crops due to low input needs
- Bioaccumulation: Not applicable
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable; seed hulls and press cake contribute to soil organic matter
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves (during seed processing)
- Dust mask (to avoid inhaling seed dust)
- Eye protection if working with dust
Handling Measures:
- Avoid creating dust clouds
- Use adequate ventilation in processing areas
- Wash hands after handling
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers sealed and protected from moisture and direct sunlight
- Use FIFO (first-in, first-out) inventory management
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if dust inhalation causes irritation; seek medical advice if symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; no expected irritation under normal use
- Eye Contact: Rinse with water if dust contacts eyes
- Ingestion: Generally safe as food; in rare cases of excessive ingestion, seek medical advice
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Seeds and oil are combustible; oil can burn if exposed to flame
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚ for oil fires; water spray for seed fires
- Special Precautions: Avoid inhaling smoke from burning oil or seeds; wear protective gear