![Canola Oil vs Mustard Oil: What's the Difference?]()
Introduction
When come to cooking oil, canola oil and mustard oil are two popular choices, each with unique characteristics. Both come from Brassica plants, but they differ in flavor, nutrition, and cooking uses.
In this article, I will introduce the difference between canola oil and mustard oil. Include their extraction process, physical and chemical features, nutrition, health benefits, and cooking uses.
Canola Oil vs Mustard Oil Extraction Process
Canola oil is extracted from Brassica napus seeds, contain low levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates, safe for eating. Mustard oil extracted from mustard seeds (typically Brassica juncea or Brassica nigra). It is known for bold, pungent flavor and favorite in Indian, Chinese, and Russian cuisines.
![Canola oil production process]( "Canola oil production process")
Canola Oil Extraction Process
First, thoroughly clean canola to remove foreign objects such as weed seeds, stems, and pods. Then, heat canola and pass through a specialized roller to rupture cell walls.
Next, extract canola oil. The extraction process main include two stages.
In first stage, use Huatai 168 screw press machine to extract about 75% of oil, remain oil retain in canola cake.
The second stage, use hexane solvent extraction to clean canola cake, extracting all remain canola oil.
This method ensure maximum oil recovery rates. Henan Huatai Intelligent Equipment Group's canola oil extraction equipment achieve an extraction efficiency of 99%.
Finally, extracted canola oil is refined. This include washing with sodium hydroxide to remove impurities, cooling to 5°C to filter out natural waxes, bleaching to lighten color, and steam distillation to remove characteristic odor of canola oil. The end gets familiar neutral-tasting, light-colored canola oil.
![Mustard oil production process]( "Mustard oil production process")
Mustard Oil Extraction Process
First, washing mustard seeds to remove impurities. Then, use roller mill to flatten mustard seeds to increase surface area for pressing.
Next, cooked in roasting machine to break down cell structures and denature proteins, prepare for oil extraction.
Then, use hydraulic or screw press machine pressing, without additional heating, final get cold-pressed mustard oil.
Compare to refined oils, cold pressed mustard oil use traditional extraction method, retain natural nutrients and unique spicy aroma. (Related Post: How to make mustard oil from mustard seeds >>)
Canola Oil vs Mustard Oil Physical Features
The physical features of canola oil and mustard oil are shown in table below:
| Features |
Canola Oil |
Mustard Oil |
| Color and Appearance |
Light yellow transparent liquid, no precipitation |
Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Odor |
Neutral, mild |
Strong, pungent, slightly bitter |
| Viscosity |
Light smooth |
Slightly thicker |
| Taste |
Mild, slightly nutty aroma |
Strong burning sensation, spicy and pungent |
| Smoke Point |
High (200–242℃) |
Medium (around 168℃) |
| Density (g/mL) |
0.913–0.917 (25°C) |
1.016–1.024 (higher) |
Canola Oil vs Mustard Oil Chemical Features
The chemical features of canola oil and mustard oil are shown in table below:
| Component |
Canola Oil |
Mustard Oil |
| Saturated Fat |
~7% |
~14% |
| Monounsaturated Fat |
~62% (mainly oleic acid) |
~39% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat |
~31% |
~35% |
| Erucic Acid |
<2% |
Up to 42% |
| Other Compounds |
Vitamin E, phytosterols |
Allyl isothiocyanate (≥90%) |
Canola Oil vs Mustard Oil Nutrition
The nutritional benefits of canola oil and mustard oil depend on their fatty acid compositions. As table below:
| Nutrient (per 100g) |
Canola Oil |
Mustard Oil |
| Caloric |
884 Kcal |
884 Kcal |
| Monounsaturated Fat |
62g |
39g |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acid |
9.1g |
12g |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acid |
19g |
15g |
| Vitamin E |
17.5mg |
38.3mg |
| Vitamin K |
71.3µg |
5.4µg |
| Bioactive Compounds |
0.7-1.0% phytosterols, 113 ppm gallic acid equivalent |
tocopherols, antioxidants and glucosinolates |
Canola Oil vs Mustard Oil for Health
Both oils offer health benefits, but their differences are notable:
Canola Oil for Health
- Its low saturated fat (7%) and high monounsaturated fat (62%) content make it heart-healthy.
- It reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and boosts HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) may lower inflammation and heart disease risk.
- Vitamin E supports skin health and may prevent chronic diseases.
Mustard Oil for Health
- It support heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol.
- Traditionally, it’s used to relieve joint pain, reduce inflammation, and improve skin and hair health.
- Stimulates appetite and digestion
- It can be used topically as massage oil
![Canola oil vs mustard oil for health]( "Canola oil vs mustard oil for health")
Mustard Oil vs Canola Oil for Cooking
The choice between mustard oil and canola oil for cooking depends on dish and cooking method.
Canola oil high smoke point makes it ideal for high-heat cooking like frying, stir-frying, and roasting. The neutral flavor ensures it doesn’t overpower dishes, making it versatile for baking and general cooking.
Mustard oil lower smoke point suits low-heat cooking, such as making marinades, dressings, or tempering spices in Indian cuisine. Its strong flavor adds depth to dishes like curries, pickles, and stir-fries.
![Mustard oil vs canola oil for cooking]( "Mustard oil vs canola oil for cooking")
Conclusion
Canola oil and mustard oil each have different advantages. When choosing, consider your cooking style, flavor preferences, and health goals.
Henan Huatai Intelligent Equipment Group specialize in manufacturing canola oil production line and mustard oil extraction machine, provide turnkey projects. We have established edible oil processing plant in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Russia, Ethiopia, India, Tanzania and other countries. If you want to know more, please feel free to contact us!
References:
