R is for Rapeseed

The latest in my A-Z photo journal of Chatteris.

At this time of year you can't but help noticing the bright yellow fields all around you.

The growing of Rape is big business

Rapeseed is grown for the production of animal feed, vegetable oil for human consumption, and biodiesel.

Rapeseed is a heavy nectar producer, and honeybees produce a light colored, but peppery honey from it.

Rapeseed Oil can be used in much the same way as olive oil. It is a recognised fact that olive oil has a reputation as a healthy oil. Up to now, what has not been widely known is that cold pressed rapeseed oil is substantially healthier than olive oil. It has the added benefit of being locally grown, without the need to be globally transported, therefore saving on "food miles" as well.

Rapeseed Oil has only half the undesirable saturated fat content of olive oil. Whilst having twice as much of the desirable omega 6 and about ten times the amount of the desirable Omega 3. The sodium (salt) content is zero.

Rapeseed oil is produced locally by L & A.E. Munns & Son.

Westmoor Farm is part of the Cambridgeshire County Farm Estate and is situated in the heart of The Fens, 1.5 miles west of the market town of Chatteris. The Munns family has farmed there since October 1959 when they took on the tenancy of a 21 acre smallholding from the then Isle of Ely County Council. Funding was provided from a £100 pools win and extended credit from suppliers.