Camelina

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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.

Description

Camelina Uses

Primary Uses 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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 Uses 

  1. Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Research

  • Investigated for cardioprotective and anti-cancer effects linked to its bioactive compounds.

  • Explored in formulations targeting skin health and wound healing.

  1. 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.

  1. Wildlife & Pollinator Support

  • Camelina flowers provide nectar for bees and beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

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