RFNPR: CANOLA OIL
(Random Facts of No Particular Relevance are exactly what the name implies. If the reader relies upon one of these facts to win money on a game show I am entitled to 10% off the top. That's pre-tax. On the other hand, you may use these to achieve mastery of bar trivia free of charge.)
"Canola", as in canola oil, is an acronym for "Canadian oil, low acid." The plant from which the oil is produced is called rapeseed. For some strange reason they must have doubted that consumers would want to buy or eat something called "rapeseed."
You're welcome.
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March 11th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Thanks, Ed! I knew about the 'Canadian' part; did not know about low acid.
Always thought it was just a mock-Latin ending indicating 'oleum'.
March 11th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
My wife and I passed a tanker on the highway today that said "Food grade oil" on the tank.
Our joke has always been that it delivers edible products one way, and hazardous waist on the return trip.
Cheers!
JzB
March 12th, 2010 at 12:14 am
Though "man-rapeseed" would probably be a big hit in DC.
March 12th, 2010 at 8:53 am
While listening to a report on bio-engineered foods, an interviewee said that the oil was originally used as motor oil for trucks in WWII. Bio-engineering the product allowed human consumption.
March 12th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Ah, the wiley Limeys get around that by calling it oilseed rape. Or rapeseed, which doesn't sound much better. But it does turn the fields around my mother's house a stunning, cheery yellow in the summer.
I think America invented rebranding.
March 12th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Thirty odd years ago in Saskatchewan we used to snicker when we passed the the big sign showing the vast yellow fields and saying: Welcome to Tisdale, Land of Rape and Honey.
Tisdale is still there and they probably still grow canola and keep bees but I'll bet the sign is long gone. Marktes are tough all over.
March 12th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Damn! I knew I should have looked before I hit submit.
March 18th, 2010 at 9:57 am
I knew what you meant.
April 3rd, 2013 at 12:10 pm
"I think America invented rebranding."
I thought Edward Bernays invented rebranding, and he was born in Vienna; does that still count?