HEMPSEED OIL
We received our batch of hempseed oil from New Zealand on Monday but we were concerned about the variation in aroma/flavor and put dispatch on hold, while we queried our supplier in New Zealand about the variance from previous batches. The Certificate of Analysis for the oil is very good and the explanation from supplier for the variance in flavor is below. We are happy with the explanation and will be dispatching the oil from Thursday.
NZ HEMPSEED OIL SUPPLIER - Eplanation of variance of flavor of hempseed oil
“We have evaluated our retained sample here and the taste is consistent with the batch we bottled here last week as I advised by telephone. I believe that your interpretation of flavours is due to the variation in taste we achieve with the variety fasamo in New Zealand growing conditions. Having smelt the oil and tasted the oil again this morning, I can understand your perception however this line is not untypical of NZ hemp seed oil. You will have heard of the expression a ‘grassy’ olive oil, and the same is achieved with NZ hemp seed oil. Australian olive oil is bland in flavour due to high day time and night time temperatures. In contrast New Zealand and Tasmania with a higher diurnal range, produces a very ‘grassy’ EV olive oil with the flavour in some cases strong enough to generate a cough! I know this is cold comfort for you given your perceived customer expectations, but the hemp seed oil we have supplied is simply a cold pressed natural unadulterated product. The high levels of chlorophyll in the oil will undoubtedly have an impact on flavour also. The oil is fresh pressed as well as cold pressed. Despite the ‘different’ flavour there is also no compromise on the other quality parameters of the oil, as is evident via the CoA.
As a further comparison, we have similar issues with our Organic Flaxseed oil. Conventional farming means the seed is often in impeccable condition at harvest. Without the use of chemicals, organic flaxseed is often weathered when harvested, creating a stronger ‘musty’ flavour. Customers want to buy Organic but complain when the flavour is variable? Natural product versus customer expectations? I am well aware of your expertise with these products so your comments come as no surprise to me. At this time all I can give you is my assurance that there is no form of contamination apparent to us via our processing systems and supported by our documentation trail.
We have evaluated the sample which we received this morning. Our internal evaluation confirmed the oil as consistent with our further stocks of this batch, and as you are aware consistent with the same oil we bottled under our own brand last week. I can confirm that there is no contamination via processing or any other form of product. The oil is consistent with the raw taste of the seed.”
Kathleen, “Yes, I will be using this batch of oil. The first tasting, I thought, mmm, not so sure, but after several tastings, now I like it. It is stronger than the last batches and a much more nutty taste, more like peanuts, I would say. Everyone has different taste buds, what one person likes, another person may not like. And the certificate of analysis is excellent. I had a dose this morning and now happier after receiving the explanation from supplier. Bon Appetite”
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