Tag: Wood finishing

While deriving from the same plant, flaxseed oil and linseed oil are often not the same product and should not be used interchangeably. The primary difference lies in their processing and intended use, with one being for consumption and the other for industrial applications, making it critical to know which one you are buying.

Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is derived from the seeds of the flax plant, making it botanically a seed oil, not a nut oil. This distinction is crucial for individuals with allergies, although potential cross-reactivity with tree nuts can occur in rare cases.

Walnut oil is prized for its rich, nutty flavor, with cold-pressed varieties being especially popular as a finishing oil. But the question, 'What should I use walnut oil for?', reveals its surprising versatility beyond the kitchen and into areas of beauty and home care.

Over 5,000 years ago, flax was one of the first crops cultivated by ancient civilizations for both textiles and food. Today, the confusion between flaxseed oil and linseed oil, derived from the same plant, primarily stems from their intended applications and processing methods, which dictate whether they are safe for consumption or for industrial use.