The flax seed or common flax which is also commonly known as linseed is cultivated for its delicate oilseeds and fiberFiber also referred to as dietary fiber or roughage is the indigestible portion of food derived from plants. It comes either soluble in water or insoluble. They are normally resistant to absorption in the human digestive tract. They are found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It helps increase bulk in ingested foods, softens stool and shortens the total time... More. It is used to make fibers better known as linen while the oilOil which is also called Cooking oil or Edible oil is a plant, animal or synthetic fat used in food preparation. It is used in frying, baking and other forms of cooking as well as where the food preparation does not require heat such as in salad and dip. It is usually in liquid form at room temperature. Some varieties... More is referred to as linseed oilOil which is also called Cooking oil or Edible oil is a plant, animal or synthetic fat used in food preparation. It is used in frying, baking and other forms of cooking as well as where the food preparation does not require heat such as in salad and dip. It is usually in liquid form at room temperature. Some varieties... More.
Botanically, flax with scientific name Linum usitatissimum belongs to the family Linaceae. It is known to have been cultivated in ancient Egypt and its use extended far and wide across the Mediterranean regions.
The plant grows to about 1.2 meters tall with pale blue flowers that reach about 15 to 25 millimeters in diameter with five petals. The flowers turn into a round fruit which forms a dry capsule about 5 to 10 millimeters. The fruit contains brown seeds that have a glossy texture.
The flax fibers are extracted from the undersurface of the stem of the flax plant. The fibers which resemble blond hair are soft, flexible and lustrous. It is a stronger fiberFiber also referred to as dietary fiber or roughage is the indigestible portion of food derived from plants. It comes either soluble in water or insoluble. They are normally resistant to absorption in the human digestive tract. They are found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It helps increase bulk in ingested foods, softens stool and shortens the total time... More than cotton but not as elastic. The fiberFiber also referred to as dietary fiber or roughage is the indigestible portion of food derived from plants. It comes either soluble in water or insoluble. They are normally resistant to absorption in the human digestive tract. They are found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It helps increase bulk in ingested foods, softens stool and shortens the total time... More is used to make beddings, lace, twine, rope, banknotes, rolling paper for cigarettes, and tea bags.
Closer to the topic of this write-up, the flax seed can be used to extract linseed oilOil which is also called Cooking oil or Edible oil is a plant, animal or synthetic fat used in food preparation. It is used in frying, baking and other forms of cooking as well as where the food preparation does not require heat such as in salad and dip. It is usually in liquid form at room temperature. Some varieties... More or flaxseed oilOil which is also called Cooking oil or Edible oil is a plant, animal or synthetic fat used in food preparation. It is used in frying, baking and other forms of cooking as well as where the food preparation does not require heat such as in salad and dip. It is usually in liquid form at room temperature. Some varieties... More by pressing. The oilOil which is also called Cooking oil or Edible oil is a plant, animal or synthetic fat used in food preparation. It is used in frying, baking and other forms of cooking as well as where the food preparation does not require heat such as in salad and dip. It is usually in liquid form at room temperature. Some varieties... More is extensively used in woodwork finishings as well as for culinaryCulinary art is the art of the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals. The term culinary means "Related to cooking". People who work in this field are called Culinary artists or Culinarians. In more common terms they are chefs and cooks. The requirements of these workers are people who have knowledge of diet, food science, nutrition and hygiene, design aesthetics,... More purposes. The seed has two main varieties namely: brown, and yellow or golden (golden linseeds).
The world’s largest producers of flax in the world as Canada, Kazakhstan, China, Russia, United States, and India respectively.
Flax seeds are available in marketplaces and stores all year around. The seeds may be purchased in stores roastedTo roast is to cook food in indirect or diffused dry heat such as in an oven where the heat surrounds the food somewhat evenly. This method of cooking helps impart flavor and while the texture on the surface is caramelized and browned. Generally, it is meat, poultry, fish and root vegetables which tend to be roasted. It results in... More, ground, or whole dry form. As recommended one should try and purchase the whole seeds to avoid those that have been adulterated or low in nutrients.
The seeds should be glossy, even in size and not show signs of mold or rot. They can be stored at home for several months in an airtight container placed in a cool, dry, and dark place. The powdered form should be stored in a refrigerator to avoid it turning rancid.
Flax Seed as Used for Culinary Purposes
The seeds should be toasted over medium heat and ground in a seed grinder just before use so as to preserve as much flavor as possible.
The whole seed may be eaten as a delicious snack either salted or sweetened. They can also be used whole or crushed as a garnishA garnish is an item or substance used to decorate or embellish accompanying a prepared food dish or drink which may be edible or ornamental. They may be used to complement the flavor of the dish or to add a visual appeal. Common edible substances commonly used are parsley, paprika, chives, lemon slices and chocolate among others. Non-edible garnishes an... More over dessertsA dessert is the last course of a meal usually consisting of sweetened foods and beverages like dessert wine and liqueur. It may also include some savory items like coffee, cheese, and nuts. The sweetened food can include those commonly eaten savory such as rice. Foods included usually eaten as dessert courses include cake, cookie, pastry, ice cream, pudding, custard... More, saladsA salad is a mixture of small to medium pieces of ready to eat ingredients mixed together and topped with a sauce or dressing. They are preferred cold with few exceptions served warm. The dressing is usually sweet and sour in nature or can be salted and spiced. Salad ingredients range widely but most commonly they include vegetables, fruits, cooked... More, yogurtYogurt is also known as yoghurt or yoghourt is derived from Turkish term meaning "to be curdled or coagulated or to thicken". It is a food produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria also known as yogurt cultures act on the protein and lactose to produce lactic acid. Yogurt is commonly sold sweetened and flavored and in many cases... More, ice creamIce Cream also known as iced cream is a flavored frozen food often made from dairy products that can be eaten as a snack or dessert. It can also be combined with fruits, nuts and other ingredients and condiments. It is usually served in dishes, cups or cones depending on how it is presented. There are more varieties of ice... More, shakes, cereal, and smoothiesA Smoothie is a thick drink made by blending raw fruit and or vegetables with a liquid such as water, juice and dairy products. In some recipes sweeteners like honey or sugar as well as other ingredients can be added to the drink. They can also be bought commercially bottled in supermarkets. Depending on the ingredients it can be drunk... More among other similar food products.
The seeds are also found as ingredients in bakedTo bake is to cook food in prolonged dry heat in an oven, coal pit or hot sand. The prolonging allows for the heat to spread throughout the dish. This method is very similar to roast cooking. Virtually every type of food can be baked but it is usually the exclusive method of choice for preparation of foods like bread,... More products including cakes, bread, buns, muffins, and biscuits.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
Due to possible risk of cyanogen-glycosides toxicity, eating raw flax seed is not recommended. The seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as α-linolenic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid.
They are packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are a great source of dietary fiberFiber also referred to as dietary fiber or roughage is the indigestible portion of food derived from plants. It comes either soluble in water or insoluble. They are normally resistant to absorption in the human digestive tract. They are found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It helps increase bulk in ingested foods, softens stool and shortens the total time... More, fats and oils, protein, and carbohydrates. The seeds contain no cholesterol and provide 534 caloriesA calorie is a unit of energy used in several fields. It is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius at one atmospheric pressure or the pressure at sea level. When relating to food, Calories with capital "C", also known as the food calorie the same energy as 1000... More per 100 grams.
Flaxseed is rich in the B-complex vitamins including FolatesFolates are also known as Folic acid or vitamin B9 is good for DNA synthesis and is essential for alleviating Anemia and in pregnant women infant neural tube defects. It is a water-soluble vitamin. Folic acid can be found naturally in leafy green vegetables. Steam cooking helps retain more of the vitamin during cooking. You can also get it from... More, NiacinNiacin is also known as Nicotinic acid or vitamin B3 and is useful for the prevention of nausea, skin and mouth lesions, anemia, headaches and exhaustion. It is also useful in the regulation of high cholesterol in the system. It an be found mainly in protein foods like liver, chicken, beef, fish, cereal, peanuts and legumes.... More, Pantothenic acidPantothenic acid is also known as vitamin B5. It is a water soluble vitamin used by animals to synthesize coenzyme-A (CoA), as well as to metabolize proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Major food sources include dried mushrooms, liver, dried egg yolks and sunflower seeds among others. Pantothenic acid deficiency is extremely rare but symptoms include impaired energy production, irritability, fatigue, and... More, PyridoxinePyridoxine is also known as pyridoxol or vitamin B6 and can be gotten from fruit, vegetables, and grains. It helps prevent confusion, ulcerations, conjuctivitis, intertigo and neuropathy among others. Alcoholics and the elderly are usually the demographics that tend to have increased risk of vitamin B6 deficiency.... More, RiboflavinRiboflavin is also known as vitamin B2 helps prevent migraines and is good for cellular respiration. It can be found in eggs, milk, meat and green vegetables. Deficiency results in symptoms similar to Pellagra. Others include chapped lips, red tongue, sore throat, inflammation of the mouth and scaly rashes on private parts.... More, and ThiaminThiamin, Thiamine or Vitamin B1 helps prevent disorders like beriberi and korsakoff's syndrome and can lead to metabolic coma and death. Yeast, yeast extract, pork, whole grain brown bread and other cereals are good sources of vitamin B1.... More. They are also a great source of vitamin E.
As for minerals they seeds are rich in Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, and Copper. They contain good amounts of Potassium and a little Sodium.
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Wiki Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax
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