How do I read the date code on Canola Harvest® margarines and
oils?
- locate the 5 digit group of black typed numbers
- the first number stands for the quarter of the year
- the second number represents the month within the given quarter
- the third and fourth numbers are the date of the month
- the fifth number signifies the year
The date represents the date that the product was manufactured, not the use by date. For example, if your date code reads 32206, it was produced on August 20th, 2006.
How do I read the date code on Canola Harvest® Non-Stick Spray?
- locate the block of 5 black typed numbers/letters
- the first 3 numbers represent the day of the year
- the fifth number represents the year
This is the date your product was manufactured. For example if your date code reads 071G6 it was made on the 71st day of 2006.
How long can you store our margarine, oil and spray products?
- Margarines can be stored in a refrigerator for up to six months.
- Oils can be stored in a dark cupboard TIGHTLY CAPPED at room temperature for up to one year.
- Spray can be stored in a dark cupboard for up to 2 years.
Note that these times are from the DATE OF MANUFACTURE, not from the date it was opened. See above for information on reading the date codes.
Can I freeze Canola Harvest® margarine?
Canola Harvest® margarines can be stored frozen until needed. Thaw in the fridge before use.
What are the differences between butter and
margarine?
- butter is an animal fat, contains cholesterol and is also high in saturated fat
- margarine is made from vegetable oils and does not contain cholesterol
- some margarine may contain trans-fatty acids if hydrogenated vegetables oils are used in the ingredients
All Canola Harvest® retail margarines are non-hydrogenated and trans fat free.
Can I use soft margarine for baking or cooking?
Our soft margarines can be used in all recipes where margarine or butter is specified. Since margarine has 80% oil, it contributes both texture and browning properties to foods. Soft margarines are not suitable for pastry.
How do I substitute margarine for butter or shortening?
Simply use the same amount of margarine for the butter or shortening you would normally require.
Can I substitute oil for solid fat such as butter, shortening or
margarine?
Yes. Follow the chart below for substitution quantities.
Solid Fat |
Canola Harvest® Canola Oil |
250 mL (1 Cup) |
175 mL (3/4 Cup) |
175 mL (3/4 Cup) |
150 mL (2/3 Cup) |
125 mL (1/2 Cup) |
75 mL (1/3 Cup) |
30 mL (1/4 Cup) |
45 mL (3 Tbsp) |
Why are palm oils or palm kernal oils used in non-hydrogenated
margarines?
Canola Harvest® Margarines are made from canola oils. In hard margarines and in “regular” soft margarines, the canola oil was put through a process called hydrogenation in order to make it “hard” enough to form a spreadable product that was not too oily or a block that could be wrapped in parchment. This process also increased shelf life and enhanced the flavor of the margarine. Unfortunately, it also produces trans fatty acids.
In order to eliminate the trans fat from Canola Harvest® margarines, another ingredient or process was required to make the canola oil thick enough for margarine. Palm and palm kernel oils have a high saturated fat content, making them extremely hard. This property adds the consistency and texture required to make liquid oils into margarine. Because they are so hard, the amount required is very small.
As a result of this research, Canola Harvest® now produces non-hydrogenated margarines that are trans fat free. The increase in saturated fat content (due to the palm and palm kernel oils) is minimal, with only 0.5g per 10 g serving.
Non-hydrogenated, canola oil based margarines are the healthy alternative to hydrogenated margarines, shortenings and butter.
Are there any ingredients in your products that may cause an
allergic reaction?
Canola Harvest® products DO NOT have tree nuts (peanuts, peanut oil), eggs, fish, shellfish or gluten in them. |
