NEW CAMELINA OIL OFFERS A SUPERIOR HEALTH PROFILE AND BETTER FUNCTIONALITY COMPARED TO OTHER CULINARY OILS ON THE MARKET

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (September 30, 2013) – No longer are Canadians looking to canola and olive oil alone to meet their culinary needs. In recent years, Canadians have seen a whole host of new, alternative oils present themselves on the market; each marketed to consumers for use in different ways. Consumers now have more oil choices than ever before. And now, producers of a new kitchen oil called camelina oil, are ready for Canadian consumers to draw out head-to-head comparisons with other, more recognized kitchen oils.

The Camelina sativa plant, originally from Northern Europe, produces an ancient oilseed and its use in cooking can be traced back to the Bronze Age. While it’s not new to Europe, it’s quite new to Canadians. To help raise awareness and understanding of the oil, local camelina oil producers have prepared comparative data charts for such things as smoke point (heat sensitivity), shelf life (perishability), amount of healthy Omega 3 fatty acids and amount of Vitamin E antioxidants. And, as the information is released, Canada’s camelina oil producers expect consumers and the industry to make their own direct comparisons and reach out to them, where needed with queries.

Three Farmers, Canada’s camelina oil producers, maintain product purity and premium status by growing non GMO seeds and adhering to a clean, natural and chemical free approach to processing. Their artisan oil has been receiving a steady increase of attention from all sectors of the industry. The bulk of the attention seems to have risen from generous ground level support from Canada’s chef community.

“I am very excited to have found camelina oil,” says Rusty Penno, Executive Chef of Dakota Dunes, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.” I have used a lot of cold pressed seed, nut and stone oils over the years but mostly as finishing oils to enhance a dish or add new dimension to vinaigrette. But camelina oil is the first such oil that I can also actually cook with. Searing a nice filet of pacific sablefish or a diver caught scallop in a flavourful oil that has a depth and a richness all its own is a great tool for any professional or home chef”, says Penno.

“Those who understand the various attributes of camelina oil love its versatility, long shelf life and powerful health profile.” says Natasha Vandenhurk, CEO of Three Farmers. “Our quiet market strategy has been to gain acceptance among the foodies first and then move our attention to the broader Canadian public. However, things are just happening faster than we’d expected. And that’s very exciting for us”, says Vandenhurk.

Three Farmers, a relatively small Canadian business has been receiving more attention of late than ever expected. After being on the market for only three years, they’ve received acclaimed panel support from CBC’s Dragon’s Den, story coverage from several sources including The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s, Alive Magazine and The Financial Post, and attention from lifestyle TV programming such as The Marilyn Dennis Show and Steven and Chris.

And, further to this, within the business sector, Three Farmers has received numerous nods from the business community including a very recent nomination by the Saskatchewan Achievement in Business Excellence organization (ABEX); as potential winners of the Young Entrepreneurs award.

“It’s the superior health profile of camelina oil, along with its longer shelf life and higher smoke point that draws both the experienced chefs and home cooks to the product. We, at Three Farmers, are the luckiest farmers around to be growing and producing such a super product. We call it superoil,” says Elysia Vandenhurk, Natasha’s sister and business partner at Three Farmers camelina oil.

Executive Chef Doug McNish and Author of the cookbook Eat Raw, Eat Well, of Toronto agrees. “As a Vegan Chef concerned about my customers’ health, what I love about camelina oil is its rich Omega 3 content, high smoke point and mildly nutty flavour”, says McNish.

The Canadian public can find this new oil at nearly 850 retailers across the country. The oil is available in three flavours- Traditional, Roasted Onion & Basil and Roasted Garlic & Chili. Bottles are available in two sizes: 250 ml and 500 ml. And, for a limited time over the holiday season, in 100ml three packs.

About Three Farmers by Canpressco Products

Three Farmers is a small group of Saskatchewan farmers passionate about growing natural and healthy food and dedicated to providing a personal connection between consumers and producers. Founded in October 2010, Three Farmers was the first to introduce camelina culinary oil to Canada. Noted for having high levels of Omegas and Vitamin E, a high smoke point and long shelf life, their expeller cold-pressed oil has a truly unique profile, relative to other oils on the market.