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Article: Cullisse Highland Rapeseed Oil

Cullisse Highland Rapeseed Oil

Cullisse Highland Rapeseed Oil

Meet The Makers:

Cullisse Highland Rapeseed Oil

For over 150 years, the Mackenzie family has farmed the rich, fertile soils of Easter Ross. Located in the Scottish Highlands, the family's Cullisse Farm has been operating since the 1920s, building a strong legacy in arable crops and pedigree cattle. Today, the farming operations are expertly managed by Kenneth Mackenzie and his sons, but it was his son Robert who spearheaded the Cullisse Highland Rapeseed Oil business.

Following an inspiring trip to Kenya in 2006 to visit a Farm Africa charity project, Robert witnessed local women using a simple cold-pressing machine to extract oil from sunflower seeds. Moved by the simplicity and the positive community impact of this traditional process, Robert returned to his family farm and launched his own cold-pressed rapeseed oil in 2011.

THE MOST NORTHERLY RAPESEED OIL

Surrounded by the beautiful coastlines of the Moray, Cromarty, and Dornoch firths, and sheltered by the rugged mountains of the northwest Highland range, Cullisse holds the title of being the most northerly cold-pressed rapeseed oil producer. This unique Highland microclimate, characterised by extra-long summer days of light, allows the natural, healthy properties of the rapeseed to be fully nurtured within their pods.

The Mackenzie family places a deep respect for the environment at the heart of their practice. The rapeseed is planted using a minimum tillage technique to minimise soil manipulation and preserve the landscape, and all crops are grown entirely neonicotinoid-free. In beautiful harmony with the local ecology, beekeepers place their hives directly next to the fields each year to aid in crop pollination. Furthermore, the farm is continuously working towards a goal of achieving zero waste across its pressing and packaging processes.

HEALTH BENEFITS & WORLD-CLASS FLAVOUR

Gently cold-pressed in a method similar to extra virgin olive oil, this Highland oil is exceptionally rich in nutrients. It contains 50% less saturated fat than olive oil and has nine times the Omega 3, 6, and 9 content. It is also incredibly versatile in the kitchen, capable of being heated to 230°C for roasting while remaining delicate enough for simple dressings and dips.

This exceptional quality has earned it a place in the kitchens of renowned culinary stars, including Yotam Ottolenghi, Nigel Slater, and Heston Blumenthal. Robert describes the oil's flavour profile as having subtle tones of nuttiness and summer grassiness, hints of garden peas fresh from the pod, and creamy butter undertones.

In a wonderful full-circle commitment, 20 pence from every litre of Cullisse oil sold is donated back to Farm Africa, the very charity that sparked Robert's initial inspiration.

INSIDE OUR SCOTTISH HAMPERS

We are proud to feature Cullisse Highland Rapeseed Oil within our Scottish hampers, carefully chosen for its exceptional purity, sustainable Highland provenance, and Michelin-star-approved flavour.

Cullisse Highland Rapeseed Oil

Gently cold-pressed on the family farm in Easter Ross, this vibrant, golden oil captures the true essence of a Highland summer. With its subtle nutty flavour, hints of fresh garden peas, and creamy butter undertones, it is an incredibly versatile artisan pantry staple. Whether used as a magnificent dipping oil for crusty bread, a base for vibrant vinaigrettes, or a high-heat cooking oil, it brings an authentic taste of the Scottish landscape straight to your table.

Cullisse Rapeseed Oil: Cullisse Highland Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil bottle, surrounded by yellow rapeseed flowers on a dark background.