At Brock & Morten, we believe that extraordinary food starts in the soil. There is something deeply satisfying about knowing exactly where your food comes from, how it was grown, how it was cared for, and how it found its way to your kitchen.
In a world dominated by mass-produced cooking oils, we take a different approach. Every bottle of our golden cold-pressed rapeseed oil tells a story of sustainable farming, natural ripening, and ultra-low food miles.
Here is an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how we turn our vibrant Derbyshire crops into the pure, nutty cooking oil you know and love.
Responsible Farming & Bee-Friendly Fields
Every summer, our fields transform into a sea of brilliant yellow blossoms. While these golden crops are a stunning sight in the countryside, they are also a thriving ecosystem.
Pesticide-Free Harvesting: We host resident bee hives on our farm. Because our bees actively forage in the oilseed rape flowers when they are in bloom, we never use harmful pesticides. Protecting our pollinators is central to how we farm.
Zero Glyphosates on Standing Crops: Many industrial growers rely on chemical sprays like glyphosate (Roundup) to artificially dry out standing crops before harvest. We share our customers’ concerns about unnecessary chemicals in food production—which is why we never spray our standing crops with desiccant chemicals prior to harvest.
Natural Ripening with Swathing
Instead of rushing the crop with chemical drying agents, we let nature take its time.
When the weather calls for a slower, natural ripening process, we use a specialised swathing machine. Think of it as a gentle mower that cuts the crop near its base and lays it down in tidy rows (called swaths). The crops then dry naturally under the British sun and breeze.
Once the seeds reach optimum moisture levels, our combine harvester gently picks them up. On hot, dry summers when nature speeds up the process on its own, we harvest the standing crop directly—pure, simple, and untouched by chemicals.
Traditional Cold Pressing: Pure, Gentle Extraction
Extraction is where quality is defined. Industrial vegetable oils undergo extreme heat treatment, chemical solvent extraction (like hexane), and bleaching—destroying the seed’s delicate nutrients and natural flavour.
1.Single Cold Press: No chemicals, no extreme heat.
We gently squeeze our seeds at low temperatures in a single press. By using mechanical pressure without heat, we preserve the oil's rich golden color, subtle nutty taste, and heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin E and Omega 3, 6, and 9.
2.Natural Settling & Double Filtration: Patience makes perfection.
Once pressed, the fresh oil is left to settle naturally so fine particles fall out. It then passes through a clean paper filtration system to achieve a crystal-clear, shimmering golden finish.
3.On-Farm Bottling & Infusions: Handcrafted in small batches.
Our oil moves straight to our purpose-built bottling facility—literally a stone's throw from the very fields where the seeds were grown. Here, we bottle our pure natural oil and blend our signature infusions like Garlic, Chilli, Smoked, and Truffle Rapeseed Oil.
Ultra-Low Food Miles Direct to Your Door
When we say "local," we mean it. Because our growing, harvesting, pressing, infusing, and bottling all happen on the farm, our rapeseed oil travels mere yards before it is carefully packed for delivery.
When you order online from Brock & Morten, the only miles your bottle accumulates are the ones from our farm directly to your front door. You won't find a lower food-mile carbon footprint anywhere else.
Why Choose Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil?
Beyond its provenance, cold pressed rapeseed oil has half the saturated fat of olive oil, a high smoke point (220°C / 428°F) perfect for roasting and frying, and a balanced profile of essential Omega fatty acids.
Taste the Passion in Every Drop
We take immense pride in every stage of our crop's journey. By refusing shortcuts and respecting the land, we produce an artisan cooking oil that is as good for your body as it is for your cooking.
Whether you're roasting potatoes, dressing a fresh summer salad, or searing a fine steak, enjoy the pure flavour of home-grown British produce.
Ready to elevate your pantry?
Explore our full range of Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oils and Infusions and experience the difference pure, farm-fresh oil makes.
Our FAQs
1. What is the difference between cold-pressed rapeseed oil and processed vegetable oil?
Cold-pressed rapeseed oil is extracted purely through mechanical pressure without using heat or chemical solvents. This gentle, single-press method preserves the seed’s natural golden colour, nutty flavour, and essential nutrients like Vitamin E and Omegas 3 and 6. In contrast, standard supermarket vegetable oil is heavily processed using high heat, chemical solvents (like hexane), and bleaching agents, which strips away natural nutrients and flavour.
2. Can I use cold-pressed rapeseed oil for high-heat cooking and roasting?
Yes, absolutely! Cold-pressed rapeseed oil has a high smoke point of 220°C (428°F), which is significantly higher than extra virgin olive oil or butter. This makes it ideal for high-heat cooking methods such as roasting vegetables, searing meats, stir-frying, and deep-frying, without the oil breaking down or burning.
3. How does cold-pressed rapeseed oil compare to olive oil nutritionally?
Cold-pressed rapeseed oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils available. It contains half the saturated fat of extra virgin olive oil (around 6–7% compared to olive oil's 14–15%) and features a higher concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, providing a balanced 1:2 ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6.
4. What does "swathing" mean, and why do you use it instead of chemical drying agents?
Swathing is a traditional, non-chemical harvesting technique where standing crops are cut near the stem and left to lay in neat rows (swaths) to dry naturally under the sun and wind. Many commercial industrial farms spray standing crops with chemical desiccants (such as glyphosate) to force the plant to dry out quickly. We refuse to use chemical desiccants on our standing crops, preferring to let nature take its course.
5. Why are bee hives kept near your rapeseed fields?
Bees are essential pollinators for our ecosystem and thrive on flowering oilseed rape blossoms. Because our resident honeybees forage directly in our fields during spring and summer, we never use harmful pesticides on our crops. Keeping our crops chemical-free protects our pollinators and keeps our honeybee colonies healthy.
6. How should I store cold-pressed rapeseed oil, and how long does it last?
Store your bottle of rapeseed oil in a cool, dark place away from direct heat and sunlight (such as a pantry or closed kitchen cabinet). Kept under these conditions, an unopened bottle will maintain its peak freshness and flavour for up to 12 to 18 months. There is no need to refrigerate it.
7. Are Brock & Morten rapeseed oils suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets?
Yes, all of our natural and flavoured cold-pressed rapeseed oils are 100% plant-based, gluten-free, and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.