An extra virgin rapeseed oil, Oleifera, which contains half the saturated fat of olive oil is to hit the shops. The subtle flavour of the oil makes it ideal for salad dressings and mayonnaise. It will be produced from distinctive yellow flowered rapeseed grown in my local area of Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. The harvested crop from specially selected varieties of rapeseed will travel a maximum of 35 miles for pressing.

This product fits in well with the move to eating more healthy, high quality, locally produced food. Have you been trying to buy more local produce? I know since I saw a programme on TV which described the thousands of airmiles clocked up by a fairly average family meal, I do look more at the country of origin on products when I’m shopping.

Rapeseed growing by Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland