Hemp oil and camelina oil

The reason why Eskimos and Japanese suffer significantly less from cardiovascular diseases than Europeans is probably due to their diet. Due to their fish-rich diet, these population groups consume significantly more  omega-3 fatty acids  and thus protect their hearts. If you want to do the same as these people, you don’t have to put fish on the menu every day. It is quite enough to include two almost forgotten types of oil in your home spice rack:  hemp oil  and  camelina oil  also provide a lot of the valuable fat.

Hemp oil and camelina oil: effect with omega-3 fatty acids

Both hemp oil and camelina oil have a high proportion of monosaturated and polysaturated fatty acids. In contrast to other vegetable oils, they are characterized by a particularly advantageous ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. This results in positive effects on blood lipid levels, blood circulation and the heart. In addition, hemp oil and camelina oil can protect against  thrombosis  and sudden cardiac death and   help against high blood pressure and chronic inflammation.

Incidentally, unlike hash oil, hemp oil does not have an intoxicating effect. While  hash oil  is made from the resin of the hemp plant, which contains a relatively high amount  of THC  , hemp oil is made from the seeds, which contain no significant amounts of THC. In addition, hemp oil must also be distinguished from CBD oil , which contains the active ingredient cannabidiol and is used as a remedy because of its antispasmodic and calming effect. The oil is not intoxicating and is legally available in online shops.  

How do camelina oil and hemp oil taste?

Most common edible oils are rather neutral in taste. They are usually used as frying fat or as the basis of a salad dressing. The situation is completely different with hemp oil and camelina oil, which are produced cold-pressed and therefore have their very own, typical taste

• Camelina oil is characterized by a peaty, meadow-scented smell and a slightly pungent taste. In contrast to linseed oil, camelina oil is much milder.
• Hemp oil, on the other hand, tastes herbal to nutty.

Camelina oil and hemp oil: use in the kitchen

Due to their natural taste, both oils are an interesting enrichment for salads, raw vegetables, potato dishes, sauces, spreads and pestos. Neither camelina oil nor hemp oil may be  heated above 165° C  , as the fatty acids break down at high temperatures and the taste of the oil changes. The oils are therefore unsuitable for roasting and deep-frying. However, they can be used for stewing and steaming.

Storage: How long can the oils be kept?

For storage, they should be stored in a cool and dark place. Flaxseed oil that has been opened spoils quickly and only keeps for six to eight weeks. Hemp oil, on the other hand, can still be used for a good nine months after opening.

Cosmetics: skin care with hemp oil and camelina oil

Hemp oil and camelina oil care not only from the inside, but are also used in cosmetics. Due to their high content of α-linolenic acid, the two oils care  for skin and hair  and are therefore popular ingredients in creams, lotions, soaps and cosmetics.

Cosmetics with camelina oil and hemp oil are particularly suitable for the care of sensitive, rough,  dry skin . The fatty acids prevent the skin from drying out. The oils are also suitable as massage oil, shampoo or care treatment, as they have a natural softener.

Make camelina oil and hemp oil

Hemp oil can be produced from the seeds of the hemp plant, which has been known as a crop in Europe for 5,000 years. The oil can be pressed both cold and warm, with cold-pressed hemp oil usually being of higher quality and healthier. Organic hemp oil is mostly cold-pressed.

Camelina oil is obtained from camelina seeds and should therefore not be confused with linseed oil, which   is made from flax .

Cold-pressed, both oils have a strong yellow color. Warm-pressed hemp oil, on the other hand, is more greenish.

Recipes with hemp oil

A simple hemp oil recipe is spaghetti with hemp oil tomato sauce:

1. Cook a pack of spaghetti al dente with a pinch of  salt  .
2. In the meantime, sauté a diced  onion  and a pressed clove of garlic in a pan in 2 tablespoons of hemp oil at a moderate temperature until translucent.
3. Now add a pack of tomato passata to the pan and heat carefully.
4. Season to taste with salt, pepper and basil.
5. Place the spaghetti in a colander and drain the water.
6. Then immediately tip the pasta back into the pot, add a dash of hemp oil and stir.
7. Now arrange the spaghetti with the tomato sauce on two plates.

Camelina oil dressing

A delicious dressing  that goes well with colorful summer salads can be easily made from camelina oil using a recipe  .

1. Finely chop a small chili pepper and a clove of garlic.
2. Place in a bowl with ten tablespoons of camelina oil and five tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and stir with a fork.
3. Now add a tablespoon of hot mustard and a teaspoon of  honey  .
4. Season with salt and pepper, stir.
5. Wash and chop the lettuce and any vegetables you like and place in a salad bowl.
6. Roast a handful of pine nuts in a coated pan without oil.
7. Pour the seeds over the salad along with the dressing, mix and serve.