FAQs

Find answers to our most asked questions below. Alternatively feel free to contact us to find out more information to your question

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WHY SHOULD I TAKE WAIHI BUSH ORGANIC FARM FLAXSEED OIL?

We think our Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oil are simply the best!   

  • We are passionate about our products and have developed rigorous production and quality control processes to protect the fragile EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) so that the oil reaches you in perfect condition.
  • Our climate gives us exceptionally high levels of Omega-3
  • Our geologically young soils contribute to an exceptional flavour

Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils are a concentrated form of EFAs that your body needs to take in through your diet :

  • We have formulated in a number of different blends, allowing you to tailor your EFA intake
  • Contain Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9
  • Taste fresh - not bitter which is a sign the oil has started to oxidise
  • Contain naturally occurring Vitamin E
  • Are free from cholesterol and trans fatty acids
  • Are raw, cold pressed and unrefined
  • Are a vegetarian source of Omega-3 (excluding our Traditional Gel Capsules)
  • Are certified organic by BioGro Organic and are produced using sustainable systems and do not contain toxic residues
  • Our products are controlled from seed to product dispatch, with complete traceability
  • Are manufactured in a GMO free process
  • Are manufactured in a facility with an MPI HACCP Food Safety Programme

WHAT DOES FLAXSEED OIL LOOK AND TASTE LIKE?

Ours is a clear, golden oil with a pleasant nutty flavour.   Added to food such as porridge, mashed potato, yoghurt or smoothies, it gives a delicious creamy texture.

Flaxseed Oil which had not been extracted with care will taste bitter on first opening or within a few days.

HOW SHOULD I USE FLAXSEED OIL?

Flaxseed Oil is very versitile becasue its nutty taste and it imparts a creamy texture, it is delicious mixed into your food, and can enhance the flavour..

Try these ideas to instantly improve the nutritive value of your meal:

  • Drizzle over hot vegetables
  • Use to mash potatoes instead of butter or milk
  • Mix into soups or stews (after cooking is finished)
  • Add to porridge
  • Blend into smoothies
  • Stir into yoghurt or cottage cheese with fresh fruit (the sulphur containing proteins combine with Omega-3 to help the transport of oxygen in the body)
  • Add into fresh fruit or vegetable juice
  • Use as a dipping oil for fresh bread
  • Drizzle over hot pasta
  • Mix into butter for spreading

Flaxseed Oil can be used on cold, warm and hot foods just prior to serving, but should never be cooked or fried as this destroys their health giving properties.   

Do not reheat food containing Flaxseed Oil

HOW MUCH WAIHI BUSH ORGANIC FARM FLAXSEED OIL SHOULD I TAKE?

We recommend 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil a day (15-30ml).

When first taking Flaxseed Oil, we advise that you start off slowly with a small amount (e.g. 1 teaspoon a day), and build up the amount over time.   Excessive amounts of Flaxseed Oil may cause diarrhoea or nausea. For some people taking Flaxseed Oil on an empty stomach can cause nausea.  Remeber it is a natural product so your body will tell you what is the right amount.

If you prefer to take Flaxseed Oil Capsules, we recommend 2-5 1000mg capsules, up to 3 times per day for an adult; 1-2 capsules, 2 times a day for a child 3-18 years old. Be aware that small children can choke on these large capsules.

ISN'T FAT BAD FOR YOU?

Fats fulfil many important functions in our bodies and we cannot survive without them.  Fats are blamed for many health problems, but it is now clear that this is a dangerous over-simplification.   Some fats and oils are healthy; many others are unhealthy.

Healthy fats include oils containing the two EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid - Omega-3) and LA (Linoleic Acid - Omega-6), which must be obtained from the diet and are both present in flaxseed oil. Other healthy oils include the Omega-9 oils, unrefined Olive or Avocado Oils, Coconut oil and Grass-Fed Butter.

As EFAs are sensitive to light, air (oxygen), and heat, they need to be pressed, packaged, stored and used with care. Otherwise they become oxidised (rancid), which makes them taste really bad and are potentially toxic.   Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils are treated with the utmost care during pressing and bottling, and are tested for freshness prior to bottling, so you can be confident that they are health-enhancing.

Fish oils are often recommended because they contain the secondary Omega-3 derivatives EPA (EicosaPentaenoic Acid) and DHA (DocosaHexaenoic Acid), rather than the primary Omega-3 - ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid) found in Flaxseed Oil.   The thinking is that if these derivatives are taken directly, the body does not have to make them from the precursor.

It is however beneficial to directly consume some ALA because it does specific functions in the body.

While there is some misunderstanding about the efficiency of the body's conversion from ALA to EPA and DHA, many studies demonstrate that a healthy body is fully capable of making all the EPA and DHA it needs.

There are factors which may contribute to having a compromised ability to convert the primary Omega-3 and Omega-6 into the secondary derivatives.

These include:

  • Stress
  • Poor diet
  • Vitamin/mineral deficiency
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol intake
  • Hormone imbalance
  • Allergies
  • Diabetes

As a vegetarian/vegan alternative to fish oil we have formulated Super Boost, and Super Balance.  These products contain SDA and GLA, the secondary Omega-3 and Omega-6s derivatives that by-pass the first step in conversion. This is the only problematic step, which is controlled by the D6D (Delta 6 Desaturase) enzyme.

Our Flaxseed Oil blends are superior to fish oils on a number of counts:

  • Our Flaxseed is grown organically and is free of pesticides and other toxins so there are no concerns about the contamination with dioxins, PCBs or heavy metals that occur in low quality fish oils
  • Flaxseed is sustainably farmed and depletes no resources
  • Flaxseed contains the primary Omega-3 ALA, from which all secondary Omega-3s are made
  • Flaxseed also contains Omega-6 and 9 which fish does not
  • Both Blackcurrant, some Hemp Seed Oils and fish contain secondary Omega-3s, which by pass the first step in the conversion from primary to secondary Omega-3. Blackcurrant also has secondary Omega-6 as does Hemp Seed Oil.   (These are contained in Super Boost, and Super Balance.)
  • Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oil products are a vegetarian source of Omega-3
  • Flaxseed oil is less fragile than fish oils, which oxidise extremely readily. Furthermore, we handle our products with special care to protect their integrity
  • More versatile - it can easily be added to your daily foods
  • Pleasant flavour enhances foods - no fishy burps!
  • The Flaxseed used to create our products is grown here in New Zealand, and all manufacturing is done in New Zealand.

I'VE NOTICED YOU DO NOT HAVE DOSAGES ON YOUR BOTTLES, WHY IS THAT?

We are regulated as a food, like other good fats such as unrefined Olive oil, Avocado or Coconut oil, so we suggest a serving size, not a dosage.

Most of our oils are sources of ALA - Omega 3 and can support you being healthy and vibrant when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

WHY IS YOUR FLAXSEED OIL IN A CAPSULE?

We bought the capsule out for the convenience those customers on the run.  

It is a food in a capsule.

Again this is regulated under the New Zealand and Australia Food Safety Authority.

People use our capsules in a couple if ways, some take them daily, some split them open and use the oil on their food whilst travelling.

HOW MANY CAPSULES SHOULD I TAKE?

We are regulated as a food in New Zealand and therefore do not dose you, think Weetbix where they give you a serving suggestion of 2 but young boys or men eat 4! 

We do have a serving suggestion of 3 capsules twice a day, but if you are not seeing the benefits in 4 weeks plus increase the intake accordingly.

You would need to take 15 x 1000mg capsules per day to equal the 15ml serving size we suggest for most of our oils.

CAN I USE THE FLAXSEED OILS EXTERNALLY?

Yes you may rub Flaxseed Oil on the skin and it is particularly effective if used as a rubbing oil immediately after a shower.   

Use a relatively small amount as it will go rancid on the skin if not absorbed and because the natural beta carotene (Vitamin A precursor) pigment it contains it could stain clothing.   

Using in this way means the Omega-3 is absorbed directly into the blood stream and therefore bypasses the digestive system making it readily available for the body.   

CAN I FREEZE FLAXSEED OIL PRODUCTS?

Freezing Flaxseed Oil prolongs the freshness of both the Oils and the Fibre.

The Oil will become slightly opaque and thicker (even solid) when frozen, although it melts very quickly and freezing doesn't affect the structure of the Omega-3s.

The Fibre never freezes solid and is still free-flowing in the freezer.

CAN TAKING FLAXSEED OIL CAUSE ANY ILL EFFECTS?

We always recommend that our oils are taken with food - taking it from the spoon on an empty stomach may cause nausea in some people.

Some people on first taking   Flaxseed Oil find that it causes diarrhoea.   If this occurs, reduce your intake until bowel function is normalised.

Where liver function is poor, taking too much Flaxseed Oil may over load the liver with fats.   Massaging Flaxseed Oil into the skin, especially straight after a shower, allows the body to absorb and use the oil without overloading the liver.

Some people may be allergic to Flaxseed Oil, although this is reportedly very rare.   Signs of an allergic reaction might include rash, itching or shortness of breath.   If any of these occur after taking Flaxseed Oil or Fibre and nothing else in the diet or environment has been changed, stop taking the product.

Gamma Linolenic Acid is not recommended for people who suffer from temporal lobe epilepsy.   Such people should therefore use Flax Original rather than the Flax Boost or Flax Magic blends.

 

HOW DO I STORE WAIHI BUSH ORGANIC FARM FLAXSEED OIL PRODUCTS?

Because of the careful way we manufacture our Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oil products, they are shelf stable at room temperatures up to about 30oC. Take care not to store in direct sunlight.

Once opened, Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oil products must be kept in the fridge and should be consumed within 12 weeks.  

Light and oxygen turn the oil rancid so the bottle must be kept closed except during use.

As with any gelatine, the capsules will go mouldy with prolonged contact with oxygen so must also be kept sealed unless in use.   Capsules do not need to be refrigerated but must be kept away from a direct heat source and direct sunlight (don't keep in the glove box of the car!).

HOW MUCH FLAXSEED OIL IS APPROPRIATE FOR PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING WOMEN, BABIES AND TODDLERS?

We can only give rough guidelines on how much oil to take as everyone is unique in their requirement for essential fatty acids (EFAs).   It is better to start off with a little and build up slowly to minimise the likelihood of adverse reactions such as nausea or diarrhoea.

Suggested serving sizes are:

  • Baby: 1 teaspoon/day. For babies, massaging with Flaxseed Oil is a good way to obtain its health benefits, or else a little oil can be mixed in with their feed.   If mum is breast feeding, the good fats will be passed on to baby in her milk.
  • Toddler: 1 tablespoon/day
  • Pregnant / lactating women:   1 - 2 tablespoon

Note: Omega 3 Super Boost is the product of choice for pregnant or lactating mothers and Flax Magic is recommended for small children because it is easier for a developing body to utilise.

WHAT ARE LIGNANS?

Lignans act as a phytoestrogen and they are converted in a healthy gut to SDG, a human lignan with potent antioxidant substance, with a hormone-like structure.   Phytoestrogens are compounds found naturally in the plant world that have weak oestrogenic activity in the human body.

Flax Fibre is a rich source of lignans. 

HOW MUCH WAIHI BUSH ORGANIC FARM FLAX FIBRE SHOULD I TAKE?

We recommend 1 tablespoon of  Flax Fibre Original per day.

This is a serving size that most people can tolerate as support for a balanced diet.

However, lignan's can act as a weak phytooestrogen, so individual sensitivity can vary and pregnant women should seek advice from a health care professional before taking this product.

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF WAIHI BUSH ORGANIC FARM FLAXSEED PRODUCTS?

Our Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oil, Capsules and Flaxseed Fibre have a shelf life of 13 months unopened if stored according to our recommendations (i.e. away from direct sunlight and a direct heat source, at temperatures no greater than 30oC).

Crop and Food Research Ltd in Lincoln, Christchurch have done extensive testing and we have revised our policy regarding refrigeration on the shelf and extended our shelf life following these results.

Once opened our oils must be kept refrigerated and used within six weeks.

Hemp Seed Oil is more fragile, so only has a shelf life of 12 months and should be used within 4 weeks of opening.

The capsules do not require refrigeration but must be stored cool and dry.

WHERE IS YOUR FLAXSEED (LINSEED) GROWN?

All Flaxseed currently used by Waihi Bush Organic Farm is grown by Certified Organic arable farmers in Canterbury, New Zealand

IS THE FLAXSEED USED IN YOUR PRODUCTS FROM NEW ZEALAND NATIVE FLAX?

No. The Flaxseed used in our products, is also known as linseed, is from the plant Linum usitatissimum.

In New Zealand the totally unrelated plant Phormium tenax is called New Zealand flax because it is useful for making fibres, just as linenflax or linseed is used to make linen.

IS THE PACKAGING RECYCLABLE?

Waihi Bush Organic Farm  bottles, lids and labels are all recyclable.

For more detailed information about the sustainability of our packaging see 'Why dont you use Glass Bottles'

IS FLAXSEED OIL THE SAME AS LINSEED OIL?

There has been some confusion between these two names. Flaxseed Oil could also be called linseed oil, which is sold in hardware stores as wood treatment.

Flaxseed and linseed are often used interchangeably but there is an important difference.

Europeans and North Americans use Flaxseed Oil to describe the oils produced with health in mind and used for human or animal consumption to promote health.

They use the term linseed oil to describe the used as wood treatment or when it has been processed for industrial purposes - such oils will not promote health.  

WHAT IF I FIND SEDIMENT IN MY OIL?

Our Flaxseed Oil is a 100% natural product that is only cold-pressed, left to settle and naturally filtered and then bottled.

Our process is that we press the oil and then allow the natural sediment to fall out over a week, and then we simply filter through a 100-micron filter to make it ready for bottling.

There is no refining process involved because such processes do a lot of damage to the oil.  It is likely that there will be some natural settling of the oil as you would expect to see in unrefined products such as vinegar. 

Before bottling all of our batches of oil are tested as part of our HACCP food safety programme.

They are also tested by our taste panel, to make sure they meet our taste standards, as there is natural variation of taste.

Therefore, we are confident that oil containing some natural settling/sediment is safe for consumption.

IS FLAXSEED OIL A NATURAL FOOD?

YES.   We recommend Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oil to be part of and not a replacement for a healthy and balanced diet.

Waihi Bush Organic Farm products are natural whole foods  and are not designed to prevent, diagnose or cure any disease condition.

People with specific nutrient deficiencies may need professional advice and should consult their Healthcare Practitioner.

Please follow all label instructions.

GENERAL GOOD HEALTH

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) should be part of the daily diet for everyone because the body uses whatever fats you consume to make the 500 million news cells it makes each day.

Dietary analysis shows that while most people consume adequate Omega-6, intake of Omega-3 is often low. The ancestral diet that the human race evolved on, contained Omega-6 and Omega-3 in a 1:1 ratio. This ratio is reflected in healthy brain tissue. However, the typical western diet supplies as much as 15 to 30 times more Omega-6 as Omega-3, leading to a severe imbalance in your body.

Because dietary sources of Omega-3 are limited to oily fish and a few oil seeds, it can be a challenge to obtain an adequate amount. Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils make it easy to satisfy your daily requirement for Omega-3 fatty acids because Flaxseed Oil is naturally very rich in Omega-3. Flaxseed Oil is versatile and pleasant tasting and can be easily incorporated into your foods.

WHAT ARE ALA, LA, SDA AND GLA

What is ALA?

ALA stands for Alpha Linolenic Acid, which belongs to the Omega-3 family of fatty acids. ALA is classed as an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) as it cannot be synthesised in the body, so must be taken as part of your well balanced diet.

Flaxseed Oil and Hemp Seed Oil are sources of ALA.

What is LA?

LA stands for Linoleic Acid, which belongs to the Omega-6 family of fatty acids LA is classed as an EFA, as it cannot be synthesised in the body, so must be taken as part of your well balanced diet. .

Flax Balance and Safflower Seed Oil are sources of LA

What is SDA

SDA stands for SteariDonic Acid.  A healthy body can make this fatty acid as a derivative of the Omega-3 EFA, ALA.

Flax Boost, Flax Bloom and Hemp Seed Oil are sources of SDA

What is GLA

GLA stands for Gamma Linolenic Acid.   A healthy body can make this fatty acid as a derivative of the Omega-6 EFA, Linoleic Acid.

Flax BoostFlax Bloom and Hemp Seed Oil are sources of GLA

EFA METABOLISM AND CONVERSION

There are two EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) that must be obtained from the diet or from supplements because they cannot be synthesized in the body - the Omega-3 - ALA (Alpha  Linolenic Acid) and the Omega-6 LA (Linoleic Acid).

When these fatty acids are converted to secondary EFAs, they undergo a series of enzymatic reactions in the body that desaturate them (add a double bond by removing a hydrogen atom) eg. D6D (Delta 6 Desaturase) and elongate them (by adding two carbon atoms).

These reactions are shown in the following diagram:

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-6 fatty acids

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
18:3n-3

Linoleic acid (LA)
18:2n-6

D6D

D6D

Stearidonic acid (SDA)
18:4n-3

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
18:3n-6

 

 

20:4n-3

Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
20:3N-6

 

 

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
20:5n-3

Arachidonic acid (AA)
20:4n-6

 

 

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
22:6n-3

 

The first step in the metabolism of both the Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFAs is D6D.   This step is the one most affected by a variety of nutritional, hormonal and metabolic factors.   Therefore if any of these factors is compromised the conversion process will be affected.

Because some of the same enzymes are used to metabolise both the Omega-3 and Omega-6 families, an excess of either family of fatty acids can interfere with the metabolism of the other - its all about the balance.

ALA, the Omega-3 found in flax seed oil, appears to have these destinations:

  • Used as a component of all the cell membranes
  • Converted to the long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids e.g. EPA and DPA
  • May be burned to produce energy

ALA in the cell membranes improves the flow of oxygen, nutrients and wastes in and out of the cell and improves communication between cells.

Factors affecting the D6D conversion efficiency:

  • Diet - a diet rich in LA decreases ALA conversion by as much as 40%.   ALA conversion is negatively affected by intake of trans fatty acids (twisted fat molecules found in hydrogenated, polyunsaturated vegetable oils).   High intake of the long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids will also slow down conversion.   Furthermore, dietary deficiency in any of the co-factor nutrients required for conversion (vitamins B3, B6 and C available and the minerals magnesium and zinc) will decrease efficiency.
  • Gender - women seem to be more sensitive to diet than men and will therefore convert more ALA to DHA when their diet is deficient in DHA.   This may be important during pregnancy and lactation in order to ensure that the foetus/baby obtains sufficient long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids for development. 
  • Cigarette smoking - a study on human cells found that cigarette smoke reduces the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Alcohol
  • Genetic factors
  • Age - efficiency may decline with age

CAN FLAXSEED OIL BLENDS BE SUBSTITUTED FOR FISH OIL

The Primary Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA - Omega-3) and Linoleic Acid (LA - Omega-6) are present in all our Waihi Bush Organic Farm products.

Fish oil contains the Secondary Omega-3 fatty acids EicosaPentaenoic Acid (EPA) and DocosaHexaenoic Acid (DHA).

A healthy body can make its own EPA and DHA from ALA.

Conversion can be hampered by a number of other factors such as:

  • High intake of trans fats and too much Omega-6
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Genetic factors

The very young (foetuses and infants) are more efficient because of the high requirement to build a healthy young body and brain.

Young women appear to be more able than young men to convert from ALA to the secondary Omega-3s EPA and DHA.

To make the Secondary EFAs it is necessary to have adequate vitamins B3, B6 and C available and the minerals magnesium and zinc.   These nutrients are used as co-factors in the enzyme reaction that performs the conversion.

Conversion efficiency is therefore variable in the population.

We have designed Waihi Bush Organic Farm - Flax Boost especially for those who need help bypassing the first conversion step, which changes ALA into SteariDonic Acid (SDA) and changes LA into Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Once the body has access to SDA it can easily convert this into the EPA and DHA it needs for optimum health.

TELL ME ABOUT THE OILS YOU USE

Blackcurrant Seed Oil

Blackcurrant Seed Oil contains the Omega-3 acid - SDA. It also contains the Omega-6 - GLA

GLA and SDA by-pass the first step in the conversion of the Omega-6 LA and the Omega-3 ALA, which can be hampered by some health conditions and dietary inadequacies/imbalances. See 'EFA Metabolism and Conversion' and 'How efficient is a conversion of primary EFAs to their derivative secondary EFAs?'

Blackcurrant Seed Oil is used in Flax Boost, Flax Bloom and Flax Magic to take advantage of its SDA and GLA content.

Safflower Seed Oil

While Flax Seed Oil has three times as much ALA as LA, the cultivar of Safflower Seed Oil used in the Flax Balance, Flax Magic and Flax Bloom blends is a source of LA (Omega-6) and has no ALA (Omega-3).

Our ancestors evolved on a Palaeolithic diet supplying equal amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6. Research suggests that a typical modern western diet can result in severe EFA imbalances - an Omega-3:Omega-6 ratio of 1:15, 20 or even 30, may not be unusual.

However, in people who are not as Omega-3 depleted, e.g. infants and children who have not had decades of poor diet. Normal Flaxseed Oil may not be appropriate because it is too high in Omega-3.   This is why we have used safflower oil in Flax Magic and Flax Bloom.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp Seed Oil is a well-balanced oil, containing the Omega-3 ALA and the Omega-6 LA in a 1:2 ratio.   It also contains the Omega-3, SDA and the Omega-6, GLA.

GLA and SDA by-pass the first step in the conversion of the Omega-6 LA and the Omega-3 ALA, which can be hampered by some health conditions and dietary inadequacies/imbalances. See 'EFA Metabolism and Conversion' and 'How efficient is the conversion of primary EFAs to their derivative secondary EFAs?'.

Hemp Seed Oil is used in Flax Magic to take advantage of its SDA and GLA content and its well-balanced Omega-3:Omega-6 ratio.

The psychoactive ingredient in Marijuana is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).   Our Hemp Seed Oil has been laboratory tested and there are NO detecable traces of THC found .

Evening Primrose Oil

EPO (Evening Primrose Seed Oil) is one of the richest sources of the Omega-6 fatty acid - GLA.

GLA is an Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in very few plants. Along with Evening Primrose, it is found in Hemp Seed and Black Currant Seed Oils.

A healthy body has the ability to make GLA from LA. However, over-consumption of Omega-6, which is typical in the western diet, can actually reduce body concentrations of GLA because the conversion from linoleic acid to GLA is inhibited by too much LA.

EPO is used in Flax Bloom, Flax Boost, Flax Power and Flax Magic.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is one of the richest sources of lauric acid, which is the medium chain fatty acid found in high concentrations in human breast milk.

Lauric Acid has the additional beneficial function of being converted into monolaurin in the human body.

Coconut Oil can give improved energy levels and metabolic rate by regulating thyroid function and helps to keep your skin healthy and youthful looking

Coconut Oil is used in Flax Bloom.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin Seed Oil is a good source of Omega-6 and Omega -9.

Pumpkin Seed Oil contains:

  • phytosterols which support anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidatant activities.
  • a wide range of vitamins (Vitamin E b- and g-tocopherol) and Vitamin A (lutein and b-carotene).

Pumpkin Seed Oil is used in Flax Bloom and Flax Power

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF FLAX AS A FOOD INGREDIENT

Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils and Flaxseed Fibres are quality functional food ingredients that lend themselves well to many applications.

For more information about the impressive nutritional properties of these ingredients:

As well as improving the nutritional profile of foods, Flaxseed Fibre and Flaxseed Oil can impart a pleasing texture and flavour.

Flaxseed Fibre also reduces the need for shortening or oils in baked goods - it can be used at a 3 to 1 ratio to the shortening or oil being replaced.    Goods will brown more quickly.

Flaxseed Fibre can be used in recipes as an egg replacer - 1 tablespoon of flax fibre plus 3 tablespoons of water will substitute for 1 egg.   The mixture should be allowed to sit for 1 to 2 minutes before use in your recipe.

When substituting Flaxseed Fibre for flour, aim for about 15% of the flour content or 8% of the total dry ingredient weight.   The soluble fibre in flax fibre can help to improve loaf volume, oven spring and shelf life of the finished product.

Because of Flaxseed Fibre's water binding properties, the water added to a formula should be increased by an amount equivalent to 75% of the flax meal added.

In yeast bread, Flaxseed Fibre can replace 10-15% of the flour.   To maintain the same proof time, texture and consistency, the yeast should be increased by 25%.

Potential applications for Flaxseed Fibre include:

  • Rolls, bagels, bread, crackers, muffins
  • Cereals, granola
  • Pasta
  • Energy bars, chews
  • Dry mixes for pancakes, muffins, waffles
  • Powdered drink mixes
  • Egg replacement in vegan goods
  • Butchery products e.g. sausages, patties
  • Soups
  • Pet foods

Potential applications for any Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils blend include:

  • Beverages
  • Frozen dessert with the Flaxseed Oil blend replacing part of the milk fat
  • Pet foods

Call us to discuss your ideas on how your company can incorporate Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils and Flaxseed Fibres into your products to instantly improve their nutritive value.

STORAGE OF FLAX FIBRE ORIGINAL

Studies have shown that Flax Fibre Original is surprisingly stable, despite its content of polyunsaturated Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.   For instance in one study neither trained sensory test panellists nor laboratory tests for oxidation by-products were able to detect any significant change in packages of 1kg bags of milled flax seed stored at 23°C for 128 days.

Accelerated shelf life studies carried out by Plant and Food Research Ltd, Lincoln, Christchurch for Functional Whole Foods New Zealand Ltd have confirmed the stability of ALA in flax seed oil blends for over 13 months at ambient temperatures.

Canadian researchers have also demonstrated the stability of the flax lignan, SDG in baking applications.

STABILITY OF FLAX FLOUR AS A BAKING INGREDIENT

The Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the Omega-3 in Flaxseed flour or meal appears to be stable to heat at the temperatures involved in cooking doughs and batters to make bread, muffins or pancakes. This is because of the very high levels of antioxidants present.

One test heated milled flax seed to as high as 350°C for 60 minutes with no significant change in oxidation by-products or creation of trans-isomers of ALA or cyclic fatty acids. Subsequent tests have confirmed baking stability.

WHY DON’T YOU USE GLASS BOTTLES?

Our bottles are made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This is a high quality, food grade, extremely safe material to use for food packaging (especially oils).

We often get asked the question "Why Don’t You Use Glass Bottles?"

We choose to use our current HDPE bottles, as they are the only truly light proof bottle available to us.  It is essential that our high quality oil is not subjected to any light to the extent that we bottle in a darkened room.

Because all Omega-3 oils contain three double bonds, they are extremely unstable, and they need to be processed with great care to taste good and be functionally useful in your body. If they don't taste good and have a bitter aftertaste, then they are damaged and will not actively support your body towards health.

If your Omega-3 oils are packaged in anything but completely lightproof containers, such as black plastic, they will taste bitter and not be good for you. Our testing has shown that brown, dark green or violet glass do not block enough light to protect our oils from damage.

HDPE doesn't allow any chemicals to leach into the oil and our suppliers claim that phthalates or BPA are NOT being used in our HDPE bottles ( these are the most common 'nasties' in plastics). Their claim is backed up by the scientific literature.

We constantly review the options available to us, as sustainability is as important to us as it is to you.  Our organic status is not just about the non-use of pesticides, but is a whole system of fostering sustainable practices throughout our supply chain and ensuring environmentally friendly principles. We regularly test all types of glass from around the world with the hope that one day there will be a glass solution that offers the protection from light that our oil requires.  Our commitment is to deliver a superior product that has maximum nutritional integrity and great taste. We hope this clarifies our position

WHAT ARE YOUR CAPSULES MADE OF?

What is the gel capsule made of?

Bovine gelatin coloured black with natural caramel.

What is the vege capsule made of?

Seaweed extract coloured black with natural caramel.

TURPS & LINSEED

The combination of turpentine and raw linseed oil can help to improve the penetration, application, and drying of linseed oil when used as a wood treatment. The deeper penetration enhances the wood grain and protection.

The ratio of turpentine to raw linseed oil for wood treatment can vary depending on the desired outcome and personal preference. However, a commonly used ratio is 1 part turpentine to 2 parts linseed oil.

Here's a simple recipe you can follow:

  1. Start with a clean and dry piece of wood.
  2. In a container, mix 1 part turpentine with 2 parts raw linseed oil.
  3. Stir or shake the mixture thoroughly to ensure proper blending.
  4. Apply the mixture to the wood using a brush, cloth, or sponge. Make sure to work it into the wood's surface.
  5. Allow the wood to absorb the mixture for about 15-20 minutes.
  6. After the absorption period, wipe off any excess oil using a clean cloth.
  7. Let the treated wood dry for at least 24 hours before applying any additional coats if desired.

Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and follow proper safety precautions when handling turpentine, as it is flammable and can release strong fumes. Additionally, be aware that linseed oil can take a long time to fully cure, so ensure proper drying time before using or storing the treated wood.