How is Canola Meal Processed?
After canola seeds are harvested, they are processed to extract the edible oil. This process, called prepress solvent extraction, results in two products: canola oil and a high-protein coproduct known as canola meal.
The process consists of:
- Seed cleaning
- Seed preconditioning and flaking
- Seed cooking
- Pressing the flake to mechanically remove a portion of the oil
- Solvent extraction from the press-cake to remove the remainder of the oil
- Desolventizing and toasting to develop a final product
