Canada is a rich mosaic with no shortage of sports, festivals, and cultural events. While we all have our own annual traditions and must-dos on our social calendars, you might be surprised to learn how many of your favourite occasions wouldn’t be the same without canola oil.
Heart-healthy and versatile with a light taste and texture, affordable cost, and high smoke point, canola oil is a staple in our kitchens, food products and restaurants. That means it’s also a key ingredient in the can’t-miss moments we have come to know and love throughout the year.
What would Canadian life be like without Canada’s number one cooking oil? Below, we dare to imagine a world without the tasty eats and treats that make our most treasured moments so special.
Outdoor adventures on thin ice
BeaverTails are synonymous with skating on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal and spending an afternoon at The Forks in Winnipeg. Or at least they were. Without the high-quality canola oil these piping-hot pastries are fried in, you’re taste buds will be left out in the cold. Don’t even think about treating yourself to this world-famous Canadian delicacy. It’s hot chocolate and nothing else!
No more movie nights
Many movie theatre chains use canola oil to give their popcorn the delicious flavour you love. So, you’ll just have to pick another snack while watching Tom Cruise’s latest summer blockbuster. Licorice? Junior mints? Good luck with that!
Movie night at home? Here’s how to make stove-top popcorn, or if you’re in the mood for something new, check out this honey, peanut butter & chocolate popcorn recipe.
Backyard BBQs – banished!
Okay, the good news is you’ll still have hot dogs, hamburgers and whatever else you like to toss on the grill when hosting loved ones. The bad news is that canola oil is featured in many of your favourite homemade salad dressings, so your family potluck could be out of luck. Yup, life is no picnic without canola oil.
See ya later, sports bars!
Remember how deflated Canadians (outside of the city of Calgary) felt when the Edmonton Oilers lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals? Well, without canola oil, you’ll be treated to a double serving of disappointment when you realize chicken wings are off the menu. Enjoy your celery and carrot sticks, sports fans!
Canola oil isn’t just for wings, either. You’d also miss out on crunchy fried chicken, chicken fingers with honey dill sauce, and Mediterranean chicken kebabs. Say it ain’t so!
Holiday cookies, cancelled!
Many of us have fond memories of baking holiday cookies with grandma. But what if that dastardly Grinch swiped all the canola oil from the pantry? Every health-conscious holiday baker knows that using canola oil reduces the amount of saturated fat compared to solid fats like butter, shortening, and lard. There’s also no softening or melting required!
Here’s how to bake with canola oil.
Farewell, festival fare.
Canada plays host to hundreds of fairs and festivals throughout the year. And no matter the occasion (sports, music, comedy, beer, amusement rides), food trucks always play a big part in the proceedings. Subtract the canola oil, however, and we’re left without essential fare such as funnel cakes, French fries, corn dogs, dumplings and more!
Yup, our favourite events and traditions just wouldn’t be the same without the nation’s number one cooking oil. Thankfully, we live in Canada, where there’s more than enough canola oil to celebrate our most cherished moments with the food we love.
