For the figure in Celtic mythology see Canola (Celtic mythology)

In agriculture, canola are certain varieties of plants from which we get rapeseed oil, or the oil produced from those varieties.

It is a trademarked hybrid of rape initially bred in Canada by Keith Downey and Baldur Stefansson. Rape Seed Oil was produced in the 19th century as a source of a lubricant for steam engines, and the oil has a bitter taste due to high levels of acids. Canola has been bred to reduce the amount of acid, yielding a palatable oil. Canola = CANadian Oil Less Acid.

See complete article at rapeseed.