Flaxseed oil (also called linseed oil in its food form) is one of the richest plant sources of omega-3. But it comes with one important rule that trips people up: you don't cook with it. Here's how to use it properly and get the most from every bottle.

What is flaxseed oil?

Flaxseed oil is pressed from the seeds of the flax plant. The edible version is cold pressed and unrefined to preserve its delicate character and golden colour. "Flaxseed oil" and "linseed oil" are the same thing — "linseed" is just the older British name (note: industrial linseed oil for wood is NOT food-grade; always buy food-grade). Our cold pressed Flaxseed Oil is single-ingredient, unrefined and bottled in glass.

Why you shouldn't cook with flaxseed oil

This is the key point. Flaxseed oil has a very low smoke point and its delicate structure breaks down quickly under heat — it turns bitter and loses what makes it worthwhile. So never fry, saute or bake with it. Treat it strictly as a cold, finishing oil.

How to use flaxseed oil

• Smoothies — a spoonful blends in easily with fruit and yoghurt.
• Salad dressings — whisk with lemon or vinegar; its mild nuttiness suits leafy salads.
• Over porridge or yoghurt — stir in after cooking, off the heat.
• Drizzled on cooked vegetables or potatoes — added at the table, not the pan.
• By the spoon — a common way people take it; chilled is more palatable.

Flaxseed oil vs camelina oil

Both are omega-3-rich finishing oils. Flaxseed has a stronger, more pronounced flavour; camelina oil is milder and a little more forgiving. If flaxseed is too strong for you, camelina is the gentler swap.

How to choose and store it

Flaxseed oil is one of the most delicate oils, so storage matters. Buy cold pressed, unrefined, food-grade oil in a glass bottle, keep it in a cool dark cupboard (or the fridge once opened), cap closed, and use it within a reasonable time of opening. Fresh flaxseed oil tastes mild and nutty — if it tastes sharply bitter, it's past its best.

Frequently asked questions

Can you cook with flaxseed oil?

No. It has a very low smoke point and breaks down under heat, turning bitter. Use it cold only — in smoothies, dressings, or drizzled over food after cooking.

Is flaxseed oil the same as linseed oil?

Yes, in food terms — "linseed" is the older British name. But buy food-grade only; industrial linseed oil for wood treatment is not edible.

How do you store flaxseed oil?

In a cool, dark place or the fridge once opened, tightly capped, used within a reasonable time. It's a delicate oil that doesn't keep as long as refined oils.

Is flaxseed oil vegan?

Yes. A single-ingredient cold pressed flaxseed oil is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Want to try it? Explore our cold pressed Flaxseed Oil (250ml) — single ingredient, unrefined and bottled in glass.