Tag: Common flax

Archaeological evidence shows humans have been cultivating flax for at least 12,000 years for both food and fiber. The answer to "is common flax edible?" is a resounding yes, but with important caveats regarding proper preparation and consumption to unlock its full nutritional potential safely.

Over 7,000 years ago, ancient civilizations in the Fertile Crescent began cultivating the flax plant, giving rise to the nutritious seeds we know today. Today, one of the most frequently asked questions is, 'What is the common name for flaxseed?', and the answer is that the two names—flaxseed and linseed—are essentially interchangeable. While the terminology can vary by region, they both refer to the small, oil-rich seeds of the plant *Linum usitatissimum*.