Canola, Brassica napus L., is a major oilseed crop that has various uses in the food, feed, and industrial sectors. It is one of the most widely produced and consumed oilseeds in the world because of its high oil content and favorable fatty acid composition. Canola grains and their derived products, such as canola oil, meal, flour, and bakery products, have a high potential for food applications as they offer various nutritional and functional benefits. However, they are affected by various factors during the production cycle, post-harvest processing, and storage. These factors may compromise their quality and quantity by affecting their chemical composition, physical properties, functional characteristics, and sensory attributes. Therefore, it is important to optimize the production and processing methods of canola grains and their derived products to ensure their safety, stability, and suitability for different food applications.
1. Introduction
Canola or oilseed rape,
Brassica napus L., native to Asia and the Mediterranean, is one of the most important oilseed crops in the world, with a wide range of applications in food, feed, and industrial sectors
[1]. Canadian plant breeders identified a cultivar whose defatted meal had both low erucic acid (<2%) and glucosinolate (<30 μmol g
−1) content
[2] and named it canola. This rapeseed is a cool-season broadleaf crop that has winter and spring varieties. Winter canola varieties are planted and established in the fall (usually between August and November), survive the winter and resume growth in the spring. Spring canola varieties are planted in the spring (usually after March) and do not require overwintering
[3]. From 2018 to 2020, the major global producers of
B.
napus were Canada, China, and India, representing roughly 60% of global production and harvested area
[4]. Various components, such as oil, protein, carbohydrates, crude fiber, ash, minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur), vitamins (e.g., vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin B complex), and moisture content, compose canola seeds
[5]. These components contribute to the nutritional quality and functional properties of canola seeds and their products. However, the composition of canola seeds varies depending on the variety, growing conditions, harvesting methods, and storage conditions. The composition of canola seeds affects their quality, nutritional value, and industrial applications
[6][7].
The most important component of canola seeds is oil, which accounts for 40–50% of the seed weight, depending on the cultivar
[8][9]. The oil’s quality is determined by its fatty acid composition, which affects its oxidative stability, flavor, and nutritional value. Scientists consider canola oil as one of the healthiest oils due to its low level of saturated fatty acids (~7%) and a high level of monounsaturated fatty acids (60–65%), mainly oleic acid (C18:1) (~60%), which have beneficial effects on human health. Canola oil also contains essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (28–32%), such as linoleic acid (C18:2) (~21%) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) (~11%), which act as building blocks for omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, respectively
[10][11][12]. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in canola oil is about 2:1, which is considered optimal for human health. Canola oil has a range of bioactive compounds, such as tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, all of which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects
[13][14].
In addition to the oil, canola meal, and flour, the by-products of oil extraction contain residual oil and protein that can be used for animal and human nutrition. Canola meal contains up to 50% protein, determined on a dry weight basis
[15] and a
[16]. The amino acid composition of canola proteins is comparable to that of soybean proteins and meets the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) requirements for adults. However, the digestibility of canola proteins is lower than that of animal and some plant proteins due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors such as glucosinolates (GSL), phytates, tannins, and dietary fiber
[17]. Canola meal also has a high content of phosphorus and sulfur, which are essential minerals for animal nutrition
[18].
Canola flour can be used as a human food ingredient, especially for bakery products. It can enhance the nutritional value, antioxidant capacity, and dietary fiber content of grain-based foods, as well as improve their flavor, texture, and shelf-life
[19][20][21]. However, canola flour also has some drawbacks, such as low water solubility, high water absorption capacity, poor emulsifying properties, and a bitter taste
[14]. Therefore, some modifications are needed to improve the functionality and acceptability of canola flour.
Canola grain quality depends on various factors, such as genotype, environment, harvesting, storage, and processing
[3][22][23]. These factors can influence the chemical composition, physical properties, and functional characteristics of canola seeds, oil, and meal. The quality parameters include oil, protein, chlorophyll, total GSLs, free fatty acids (FFAs), and fatty acid composition
[24]. Furthermore, the quality of canola grains has implications for grain-based foods in terms of nutritional value, functional properties, and sensory attributes. Therefore, standard methods and specifications are needed to ensure the quality and safety of canola oil and meal for human and animal consumption.
2. Factors Affecting the Quality of Canola Grains
The quality of canola grains is a crucial factor that affects their market value and usability for various purposes. Many factors can affect the quality of canola grains, including genetic factors, environmental factors, agronomic practices, and post-harvest factors
[25].
Figure 1 outlines the different elements that contribute to canola grain quality and illustrates their relationships and interactions. Examining the impact of these factors is essential for optimizing the production and utilization of this valuable crop.
Figure 1. Factors affecting the quality of canola grains.
2.1. Genetics and Breeding
The genetic diversity and population structure of the canola germplasm reflect its origin, history, adaptation, and improvement. Several studies have assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of canola at global or regional scales using molecular markers. For example, Gyawali et al.
[26] studied the genetic diversity and population structure of 169
B.
napus lines from different regions using 84 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. They found that genetic diversity varied among regions, with Europe having the highest and Australia and Canada having the lowest, and the lines were divided into two subpopulations based on growth habits. The study suggested that the lines with unique alleles could be useful for breeding programs. In another study, the allelic diversity of 72
B.
napus genotypes covering contemporary germplasms in Australia and China, as well as samples from India, Europe, and Canada, was described using 55 polymorphic SSR markers spanning the complete
B.
napus genome
[27]. Hierarchical clustering and two-dimensional multidimensional scaling separated a Chinese group (China-1) from a “mixed” group of Australian, Chinese (China-2), European, and Canadian lines. A tiny group from India was clearly unique from all other
B.
napus genotypes. Chinese genotypes, particularly those in the China-1 group, have inherited unique alleles from interspecific crossing, primarily with
B.
rapa, whereas the China-2 group shares several alleles with Australian genotypes. Other researchers analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of feral rapeseeds by genotyping 537 individuals in Japan using 30 microsatellite markers
[28]. The feral rapeseeds showed moderate genetic diversity and high inbreeding and were divided into eight genetic clusters that did not correspond to geographic regions.
Different canola varieties exhibit variations in oil, protein, chlorophyll, GSLs, fatty acids, seed size and weight, and other traits that influence the quality of canola grains and their derived products
[29][30]. These differences may affect the nutritional value, processing suitability, and end-use characteristics of the canola grain
[18][31]. Breeding for desirable traits, such as increased oil content, an improved fatty acid profile, and enhanced protein content, can lead to the development of canola cultivars with superior grain quality
[32]. For this purpose, breeding strategies and genetic improvement techniques have been employed to enhance canola quality by selecting for traits such as high oil content, low erucic acid, GSLs, and sinapine content, and desirable fatty acid profiles
[33][34]. These traits are quantitative and complex, meaning they are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, and their genetic architecture is not fully understood.
Oil content is one of the most important quality traits in canola, as it determines the yield and quality of canola oil. It is highly heritable and varies from 30% to 50% among canola varieties
[35]. Several studies have identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes associated with oil content in canola using linkage mapping or genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
[36][37][38][39].
Fatty acid composition is another important quality trait in canola, as it affects the nutritional and industrial properties of the oil. Canola oil contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), and linolenic acid (C18:3), which have beneficial effects on human health
[40]. However, some applications of canola oil require specific fatty acid profiles, such as high oleic or low linolenic acid contents, to improve the stability and functionality of the oil
[41][42]. Several studies have identified QTL and candidate genes associated with fatty acid composition in canola using linkage mapping or GWAS
[43][44][45].
Protein content is another important quality trait in canola, as it determines the value and quality of canola meals for animal feed. Protein content is moderately heritable and varies from 17 to 26% among canola varieties
[46]. Several studies have identified QTL and candidate genes associated with protein content in canola using linkage mapping or GWAS
[47]. However, the genetic basis of protein content in canola is still not fully understood, and the QTL detected so far explains only a small proportion of the phenotypic variation. Therefore, more comprehensive and fine-scale QTL mapping and candidate gene analyses are needed to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying protein content in canola and facilitate marker-assisted selection for this trait.
Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing compounds that have anti-nutritional effects on animals and humans, such as reducing iodine uptake, impairing thyroid function, and causing goiter
[48]. Therefore, one major objective for improving the value and safety of canola meals has been breeding for low GSL content in canola seeds
[49]. Breeding for low seed GSL content has reduced the negative effects of GSLs on animal feed and decreased the plant’s resistance to disease and insects
[50][51].
2.2. Environmental Factors
During the crop cycle, the quality of canola grains is significantly influenced by weather conditions such as air temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and photoperiod, especially during the flowering and seed-filling stages
[52][53]. Temperature affects the oil content and fatty acid proportion of canola grains by regulating the activity and expression of enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis
[54]. High temperatures during the flowering stage can cause reduced seed set and lower oil content, while excessive heat during seed maturation can lead to increased green seed, altered fatty acid composition, and reduced oil quality in canola grains
[54][55]. In contrast, lower temperatures can delay flowering and result in reduced yield, and during the vegetative stage, they can also affect canola growth and yield by causing frost damage, reduced seed size, increased moisture content, reduced oil content, altered fatty acid composition, and increased sinapine content
[12][56][57]. During the reproductive phase, both very low and very high temperatures may result in flower abortion and the fall of seedpods, causing greater unevenness in the maturation of the crop and interfering with the efficiency and quality of the oil produced
[58].
Precipitation and soil moisture availability are crucial factors for canola production because water stress can impact canola grain yield and quality by influencing various physiological processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, nutrient uptake, and metabolism
[59]. Drought stress can decrease canola grain yield and quality by causing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in canola grains, which results in higher FFA content, decreased oil content, altered fatty acid composition, increased GSL content, and reduced protein content
[4][60].
Soil nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S), are essential for canola growth and grain quality
[61][62]. Adequate soil fertility can lead to better plant growth and yield and higher oil content
[63][64]. Adequate soil fertility can lead to better plant growth and yield and higher oil content
[65][66]. However, excessive use of fertilizers can lead to the accumulation of nitrates in
B.
napus seeds, which can be harmful to human health
[67].
Pests and diseases can affect the quality of canola grain by causing physical damage, nutrient loss, toxin accumulation, hormonal imbalance in plants, and reduced yield
[68][69]. In addition, they can cause losses in oil content and quality, increase GSL content, reduce protein content and quality, and affect seed germination and vigor (Canola Council of Canada, 2020). Some of the major pests and diseases of
B.
napus are flea beetles, cutworms, diamondback moths, cabbage seedpod weevils, root maggots,
Sclerotinia stem rot, blackleg, clubroot, and
Alternaria black spot
[70][71].
2.3. Agronomic Practices and Management Techniques
Agronomic practices, including seed selection, sowing date, plant density, fertilization, irrigation, disease and pest control, and harvesting, influence canola grain quality
[65][72][73][74][75]. They can impact the yield, oil content, fatty acid composition, protein content, GSL content, and chlorophyll content of canola grains
[74][76][77][78][79]. Cultivars differ in oil content, protein levels, disease resistance, and other traits that can affect seed quality
[75]; thus, choosing a canola cultivar suitable for the growing region is critical. In addition, optimal seeding rates and row spacing can promote uniform plant distribution, reduce competition for resources, and improve yield and grain quality
[75][80][81].
The sowing date of canola affects the exposure of the crop to different weather conditions during its growth cycle, which may have an impact on grain yield and quality
[80]. Canola should be planted at the optimal time for the local climate to maximize seed yield and quality
[74].
Irrigation can affect the soil moisture status and water stress level of canola plants, which can influence the physiological processes and biochemical reactions of canola grains
[9][82]. Especially under drought-prone conditions, it can improve canola grain quality by maintaining adequate soil moisture levels, which allows for optimal seed development
[83]. However, excessive irrigation can lead to a reduction in oil content and an increase in undesirable fatty acids
[84].
Crop rotation with different families of plants may help in breaking disease cycles and improving soil fertility
[76]. Seed yield and use of fertilizer were studied for six years in Alberta, Canada, in twelve treatments, including continuous cropping and rotations of canola, wheat, pea, barley, and flax
[85]. Canola yield increased with 1- or 2-year breaks from canola. Rotations over continuous canola increased canola yield by 0.632 Mg ha
−1 (19.4%) on average from 2010 to 2015. Furthermore, nitrogen saving was observed when the pea plant was included in the rotation.
2.4. Harvest and Post-Harvest Management
The quality of canola grains is influenced by post-harvest factors such as harvesting, drying, storage, and transportation. These factors can affect the physical and chemical properties and stability of canola grains and their derived products and can impact the nutritional and functional properties of the oil
[86]. There are different methods of harvesting canola, such as direct combining, swathing, pushing, and desiccation, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the crop and environmental conditions. Canola is ready to harvest when the seed moisture content is between 8 and 10% (dry matter), and the seed color has changed by 60% on the main stem
[87]. The choice of harvest method depends on various factors such as crop maturity, uniformity, density, lodging, weather conditions, and risk of shattering. Hence, these methods can affect the yield and quality of canola grains by influencing seed loss, seed damage, moisture content, oil content, FFA content, GSL content, chlorophyll content, and germination capacity
[88].
Harvesting too early or too late can affect the potential of canola seeds to develop secondary dormancy, which is a mechanism of seedbank persistence that can cause volunteer weed problems in subsequent crops. Secondary dormancy is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors in the mother plant. Canola seeds had a lower potential for secondary dormancy at early development but a higher potential at full maturity
[89]. Therefore, harvesting canola at the optimal stage may reduce the ability of the seeds to develop secondary dormancy and thus reduce the persistence of seeds in the soil seed bank.
Drying is the process of reducing the moisture content of canola grains to a safe level for storage and processing. Drying methods include natural drying and artificial drying. Natural drying is the process of allowing the grains to dry naturally by air circulation in bins or silos. Artificial drying is the process of applying heat and forced air to the grains in dryers. Drying methods can affect the quality of canola grains by influencing the moisture content, oil content, FFA content, GSL content, chlorophyll content, and germination capacity
[90].
Cleaning and grading are essential post-harvest processes that remove impurities and separate canola grains according to size and density. Proper cleaning and grading can improve the quality of canola grains by reducing impurities and improving the uniformity of the grains. However, improper cleaning and grading can damage the grains and reduce their quality
[91]. Canola grains are processed to extract oil, which can affect the nutritional and functional properties of the oil. The processing methods used, including solvent extraction, expeller pressing, and cold pressing, can impact the oil yield, color, flavor, and fatty acid composition
[92]. The use of harsh processing methods can lead to oxidation and degradation of the oil, reducing its quality
[93].
Post-harvest management, including storage and processing, plays a crucial role in maintaining canola grain quality
[92]. Proper storage conditions (temperature, humidity, and aeration) are essential to prevent lipid oxidation, fungal growth, and mycotoxin production
[94].
Quality assessment methods and standards for canola grains include various physical, chemical, and biological methods to evaluate the quality attributes such as moisture, test weight, oil content, protein content, fatty acid composition, GSL content, impurities, seed contaminants, and genetic purity
[95]. These methods and standards ensure the safety, functionality, and marketability of canola products. Near-infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance are used to evaluate oil content, fatty acid composition, and other quality parameters.
3. Implications for Canola Grain-Based Foods
3.1. Canola Oil
High-quality canola grains are essential for producing high-quality canola oil with a desirable fatty acid profile, low levels of impurities, and good oxidative stability
[96]. However, the extraction efficiency of canola oil from canola seeds is not always optimal and can vary depending on several factors. These factors include seed pretreatment, moisture content, and extraction method
[97]. Seed pretreatment corresponds to the process of preparing the seeds for oil extraction by removing impurities and hulls and reducing seed size. This process can improve the oil extraction efficiency by increasing the surface area of the seeds, reducing oil viscosity, and enhancing oil release
[98].
Moisture content is an important factor that affects oil extraction efficiency. It influences the physical and chemical properties of both the seeds and the oil, such as density, viscosity, solubility, and stability
[95]. Different extraction methods require different optimal moisture levels for canola seeds. For mechanical pressing, the optimal moisture content is between 6 and 10%, while for solvent extraction, it is between 3 and 5%
[99]. Moisture content outside these ranges can lower the oil yield and quality.
The extraction method is another factor that influences oil extraction efficiency. The choice of the canola oil extraction method depends on several factors, such as oil yield, oil quality, energy consumption, capital cost, regulatory constraints, and environmental impact
[100]. There are three main methods of extracting oil from canola seeds: mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction
[97]. Mechanical pressing is a physical method that uses pressure to squeeze out the oil from the seeds. Solvent extraction is a chemical method that uses a solvent, usually hexane, to dissolve and separate the oil from the seeds. Supercritical fluid extraction is a novel method that uses a fluid, usually carbon dioxide, at high pressure and temperature to extract the oil from the seeds
[97].
Canola oil needs to undergo several refining processes to improve its quality and stability before it can be used for human consumption or industrial applications. These processes include degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization. Crude oil quality affects the refining requirements and performance by influencing the amount and type of impurities present in the oil, such as phospholipids, pigments, FFAs, peroxides, and volatile compounds
[101]. The quality of the crude oil may vary depending on the extraction method, storage conditions, and seed quality
[102]. The higher the impurity content in the crude oil, the more intensive and costly the refining process will be.
Degumming is the first step in canola oil refining and aims to remove phospholipids and other impurities from crude oil. Phospholipids are undesirable in the oil because they can cause emulsification, foaming, and darkening during subsequent refining steps
[103]. Degumming can be performed by adding water or acid to the oil and then separating the gums by centrifugation or filtration. The efficiency of degumming can be influenced by factors such as the amount of water or acid added and the temperature of the process.
Neutralization is the second step of canola oil refining and aims to remove FFAs from the oil. FFAs are undesirable in the oil because they can cause rancidity, off-flavors, and a reduced smoke point
[97]. Neutralization can be performed by adding an alkali solution, usually sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate, to the oil and then separating the soap stock by centrifugation or filtration
[103]. The efficiency of neutralization can be influenced by factors such as the concentration of the alkali solution and the temperature of the process
[104].
Bleaching is the third step in canola oil refining and aims to remove color pigments and other impurities from the oil. Color pigments are undesirable in the oil because they can affect its appearance and stability
[105]. Bleaching can be performed by adding adsorption bleaching clay, activated carbon, or special silica to the oil, which adsorbs color pigments and other impurities
[106]. The efficiency of bleaching can be influenced by factors such as the type and amount of bleaching earth used and the temperature and pressure of the process
[106].
Deodorization is the final step of canola oil refining, which aims to remove odorous compounds from the oil. Odorous compounds are undesirable in the oil because they can affect its flavor and shelf life
[104]. Deodorization can be performed by heating the oil under vacuum and passing steam through it. The steam strips off the odorous compounds and carries them away from the oil. The efficiency of deodorization can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and duration of the process.
Refining conditions affect the quality and quantity of canola oil by influencing the extent and rate of impurity removal during degumming, bleaching, and deodorization processes
[107]. Some refining conditions that may affect canola oil quality and quantity are temperature, pressure, time, water or acid concentration, bleaching earth or activated carbon dosage, steam flow rate, and vacuum level
[104]. The optimal refining conditions may vary depending on the crude oil quality, refining method, and product specifications
[101][107].
3.2. Canola Meal
The quality and nutritional value of canola meal can vary depending on several factors
[108]. These factors include the extraction method, protein content, and the presence of anti-nutritional factors. The extraction method used to obtain canola oil from canola seeds can influence the protein content and overall quality of the canola meal. In fact, the choice of extraction method can affect the protein content and quality of canola meal. According to Khajali et Slominski
[18], solvent extraction typically results in a higher protein content (38–40%) compared to mechanical pressing (34–36%). However, solvent extraction can also cause more damage to the protein structure and reduce its digestibility and amino acid availability. Moreover, solvent extraction can leave residual hexane in the meal, which can pose health risks for humans and animals.
Desolventized flakes are heated during toasting to lower moisture content and enhance flavor and meal stability
[109]. The quantity and quality of canola meals generated via desolventization and toasting can, however, be impacted by a number of factors. Temperature, time, pressure, as well as the composition and characteristics of the oilseed flakes are some of these factors. One of the most crucial elements that influence the quantity and quality of canola meal is temperature. It determines the rate and extent of solvent removal, as well as the degree of protein denaturation and Maillard reaction
[18]. The type and quality of the oilseed flakes, as well as the required qualities of the meal, determine the proper temperature for desolventization and toasting.
Anti-nutritional factors are compounds that can interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients in animals. Canola meal contains several anti-nutritional factors, such as GSLs, phytic acid, and tannins
[17]. GSLs are sulfur-containing compounds that can degrade into toxic metabolites, such as thiocyanates and goitrin. These metabolites can impair thyroid function, reduce iodine uptake, and cause goiter in animals
[110]. Phytic acid is a phosphorus-containing compound that can bind to minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. This can reduce the bioavailability of these minerals and cause mineral deficiencies in animals
[111]. Tannins are polyphenolic compounds that can form complexes with proteins and carbohydrates.
3.3. Canola Flour and Bakery Products
The production of canola flour from canola bran involves milling and sieving. Milling is a process that reduces the particle size and distribution of canola bran by using roller mills or hammer mills. Sieving is a process that separates fine particles from coarse particles using sieves or classifiers. The choice of production method depends on several factors, such as flour quality, product specifications, energy consumption, capital cost, and environmental impact
[112]. Milling has the advantage of producing finer and more uniform particles of flour, which may improve its functional properties and end-use applications. However, milling has the disadvantage of consuming energy and producing heat, which may affect its nutritional value and stability
[113].
Particle size is one of the factors that affect the functional properties of canola flour. Particle size refers to the diameter of the canola flour particles, which can range from fine to coarse. Particle size can influence the water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, and pasting properties of canola flour
[114]. Water absorption capacity is the ability of canola flour to retain water, which affects its hydration and swelling behavior. Oil absorption capacity is the ability of canola flour to retain oil, which affects its emulsification and dispersion behavior. Pasting properties are the changes in viscosity and consistency of canola flour when heated in water, which affects its gelatinization and retrogradation behavior.
Moisture content is another factor that affects the shelf life and stability of canola flour. Moisture content refers to the amount of water present in canola flour, which can vary depending on the drying conditions and storage conditions. Moisture content can affect the microbial growth, lipid oxidation, and enzymatic activity of canola flour
[115]. Microbial growth is the proliferation of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in canola flour, which can cause spoilage and contamination. Lipid oxidation is the degradation of lipids in canola flour by oxygen, which can cause rancidity and off-flavors. Enzymatic activity is the catalysis of chemical reactions in canola flour by enzymes, such as lipases and proteases, which can cause hydrolysis and degradation of lipids and proteins. Lower moisture content can reduce the microbial growth, lipid oxidation, and enzymatic activity of canola flour compared to higher moisture content
[115]. However, lower moisture content can also increase the brittleness and breakage of canola flour particles compared to higher moisture content
[115].
The use of canola oil, meal, or flour in bakery products involves several steps, such as mixing, kneading, proofing, baking, and cooling. The choice of bakery product formulation and processing method depends on several factors, such as product quality, product specifications, consumer preferences, cost, and availability
[116]. Canola oil, meal, or flour may be used in bakery products to replace or supplement other ingredients such as wheat flour, fat, or eggs. Canola oil may be used to provide moisture, tenderness, flavor, and shelf-life to bakery products
[117][118]. Canola meal may be used to provide protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants to bakery products
[92].
Ingredient composition affects the quality and quantity of bakery products by influencing the proportion and balance of different components in the bakery product, such as flour, fat, sugar, water, eggs, leavening agents, and additives
[119]. This composition may vary depending on the type and purpose of the bakery product (e.g., bread, cake, muffin, cookie, or pastry) and the level and type of canola oil, meal, or flour used in the bakery product. The optimal ingredient composition depends on the desired sensory and nutritional attributes of the product
[119].
Ingredient interaction affects the compatibility and synergy of different components in the bakery product, such as flour-fat, flour-water, flour-protein, flour-starch, flour-sugar, fat-water, fat-protein, fat-starch, fat-sugar, water-protein, water-starch, water-sugar, protein-starch, protein-sugar, and starch-sugar interactions
[120][121]. The ingredient interaction may vary depending on the type and level of canola oil, meal, or flour used in the bakery product, as well as the processing conditions such as mixing, kneading, proofing, baking, and cooling.
4. Conclusions
The quality of canola grains and their derived products, such as canola oil, meal, flour, and bakery products, is influenced by a myriad of factors throughout their production, post-harvest processing, and storage. These factors can impact the chemical composition, physical properties, functional characteristics, and sensory attributes of canola grains and their products, which in turn affect their suitability for various food applications.