Hillfarm is a family run business set up by the Fairs family in the heart of rural Suffolk. Sam and his father Alan have 35 years experience in sustainable farming – as Sam explained ‘We were looking for ways to diversify and started to research the idea of cold pressing the rapeseed into premium cooking oil. In 2004 we were the original producers of cold pressed extra virgin rapeseed oil in the UK and last year we bottled our half millionth bottle.”

The fields where the crop of rapeseed is grown are within minutes of the press used to make its oil, meaning Hillfarm products have a low impact on the environment and full traceability. Rapeseed Oil contains just 6% saturated fat, compared to 14% in olive oil and 10% in sunflower oil. Nutritionists recommend a ratio of 2:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 (also found in oily fish, nuts and seeds and leafy green vegetables) in a healthy diet – Hillfarm Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil has this balance (59% mono-unsaturated fat and 30% poly-unsaturated fat). It also contains Vitamin E which is an antioxidant and preserves the Omega 3 in cooking, helping to maintain its nutritional value. This combination actually helps to lower cholesterol and makes Hillfarm Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil a healthier option than olive oil.

Highly respected GP and media health expert, Dr Sarah Jarvis from BBC1’s The One Show and BBC Radio 2, explains why her family chooses to cook with this oil: “I strongly advocate the use of rapeseed oil in everyday cooking as part of a healthy diet. It has less saturated fat even than olive oil, a healthy balance of Omega 3 and 6 and a high smoke point, meaning its nutritional value is maintained, even during cooking at high temperatures. The delicate flavour of Hillfarm Rapeseed Oil, converted me to using it at home. This oil is 100% British and a very versatile base ingredient for healthier home-cooking.” Leading chefs such as Raymond Blanc, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, James Martin, Jamie Oliver and Galton Blackiston are also advocates of rapeseed oil in cooking.

Rapeseed Oil’s delicate nutty flavour makes it perfect for dipping bread, as well as a healthy alternative to butter in baking and it is available in farm shops throughout Suffolk as well as supermarkets nationwide. Hillfarm has created recipe pages on its website to provide inspiration for roasting, preserving, frying and baking all of which are tried and tested to make sure they taste great. It also carries Kosher Certification and the Red Tractor logo. www.hillfarmoils.co.uk