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A group of farmers from north Northumberland have launched their own brand of extra virgin oil, Oleifera, made from rape seed. The new product is a cold-pressed culinary oil which is not only home-produced but is much healthier than its Mediterranean rivals, according to its makers. The oil has half the saturated fat of olive oil, is free of all trans fats, contains 10 times more essential omega 3 oils, and is a natural source of vitamin E. Oleifera, the Latin word for oil bearing seeds, is produced by Borderfields Limited, a small grouping of farmers, who are highly experienced and proficient growers of cereals and oil seeds, who share a common ambition to trade beyond the farm gate. The new product consists only of rapeseed oil and is made as simply as possible by cold pressing the seed. No heating, solvents or any other industrial extraction methods are used. The only by-product is a rich pulp that is then fed to cattle. Great care has gone into the development of Oleifera. Fourteen varieties were trialled before the farmers found what they were searching for – an oil with a magnificent golden colour and nutty flavour, according to Colin McGregor, one of the directors of the company, based near Bamburgh. Rapeseed oil can be heated to higher temperatures without burning than other oils and its stability lends it to a variety of cooking uses. Richard Simm, head chef of The Alnwick Garden, who has been trialling the oil, keenly recommends it. “ I have known about rapeseed oil for many years. It is great base oil for dressings and mayonnaise as the flavour is not too overpowering. I also use it as a substitute for specialist nut oils. It is beautifully packaged and the perfect gift for a foodie Christmas present.” Oil production and bottling is done in batches after the summer’s harvest at the press house which has been set up in converted farm buildings near Bamburgh. So when Oleifera travels to tables in the North East, customers are guaranteed both total provenance and minimal food miles compared to those oils from the olive groves of Tuscany. Oleifera is now available from specialist food shops and delicatessens in the North East. For more information visit www.oleifera.co.uk or contact Borderfields on 0845 612 0727. |
EXTRA VIRGIN OIL FROM NORTHUMBERLAND (December 2006)