Linseed, Flax
It needs a temperate climate. It can grow in moderately fertile soils. Plants have some drought and frost resistance. It has been grown in mountains in Java. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.
Also known as:
Agasi, Alivirai, Alsi, Atasi, Avisi, Bi-thwar, Flachs, Hnan-kyat, Javas, Lein, Lin, Lina, Linaza, Linho, Lino, Lino silvestre, Masina, Navadni lan, Paiksan, Tishi, Tisi, Ya ma
Synonyms
- Linum crepitans (Boenn.) Dumort.
- Linum humile Mill.
- Linum usitatissimum subsp. transitorium Vavilov & Elladi
- Linum usitatissimum var. humile (Mill.) Pers.
Edible Portion
- Seeds, Pods, Oil
Where does Linseed grow?
Found in: Africa, Albania, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Chile, China, Crete, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Europe, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hawaii, Himalayas, Holland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Korea, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Prussia, Romania, Russia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Serbia, Slovenia, Somalia, South America, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tasmania, Turkey, Uruguay, United States, West Africa, West Indies, Yugoslavia
Notes: There are about 200 Linum species. It has anticancer properties.
Status: It is a cultivated food crop.
Growing Linseed, Flax
Cultivation: Plants are grown from seed. Plants are generally self pollinated. In Bangladesh it is grown mixed with sesamum or chickpea.
Edible Uses: CAUTION: Some kinds contain high levels of poisonous alkaloids. The seeds are crushed to make linseed oil. This has occasionally been used as a cooking oil. The oil is high in Omega-3. Flax seed has also been used to make tea. Roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute. The seeds are also eaten. They are used in bread and cereals and can be sprouted. They can be used as an egg substitute in muffins, cakes and scones. The leaves are also eaten as a vegetable with sour cream and lemon.
Production: Plants take 24-27 weeks to mature.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeds | 493 | 19.5 | 6.2 | 0 | 1.3 | 4.2 | 8.8 |
Linseed, Flax Photos
References
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