Last month I went on a four-day press trip far up north to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The trip was sponsored by the Canola Council of Canada, and I was sent to represent Cuisine at Home. I had an absolutely splendid time learning about the production of canola, its health benefits, and all kinds of wonderful applications it has in the food world.

I was one of 12 canola "campers". Our trip included wonderful, amazing meals (every course of every meal included canola in it somewhere), a trip out to a canola field in bloom, a canola oil tasting, cooking and health information sessions, massages, yoga, and a mini trip to the Saskatoon Berry Farm.

Canola oil is the oil that is highest in healthy monounsaturated fat, plus it's low in saturated fat, and also contains coveted omega-3 and omega-6. It also has a very high smoke point, so, in the food industry, it has become a healthy, clean-tasting substitute for frying oils that introduced trans fat into food. (Trans fats have been banned in several states--more to follow soon!) I was already a fan of canola oil before my trip, but I have to say that I'm an even bigger fan now! It's great for sauteeing, frying, dressings, and much more! Click here to check it out for yourself and scroll down to see some of my photos from camp.

My welcome box, including local cheeses and sour cherry juice.  The chateau-style Delta Bessborough hotel where we stayed. Me in the beautiful, bright yellow canola fields. They bloom for about 3-4 weeks in late summer.  Fellow campers talking to a canola farmer.  Tasting the various grades of canola oil  Saskatoon berries (they are like a cross between a blueberry and cranberry) are the other great commodity of Saskatoon. Here we have saskatoon berry ice cream, perogis, cobbler, pie, and champagne!