Linseed oil — the nutty classic

Linseed oil is one of the most traditional edible oils in Germany. Its intensely nutty flavor with a subtle hint of hay makes it a seasoning that unfolds particularly well in cold dishes. Since linseed oil is heat-sensitive, it is used exclusively raw — never in a pan.

Which flavors does linseed oil pair with?

Linseed oil pairs particularly well with:

• Quark — the quintessential Spreewald classic
• Jacket potatoes — hearty, simple, timeless
• Beetroot — the earthy sweetness harmonizes wonderfully with the nutty note
• Winter salads — lamb's lettuce, endive, arugula
• Apples, pears — in autumn salads
• Natural yogurt — with honey and nuts
• Whole grain bread — plain with salt

Recipe: Jacket potatoes with quark and linseed oil (Spreewald classic)

Ingredients for 2 people:

• 600 g waxy potatoes
• 400 g low-fat quark
• 1 tub of natural yogurt or a splash of mineral water
• 4-6 tbsp fresh linseed oil
• 1 bunch of chives, finely chopped
• Salt, freshly ground pepper
• Optional: 1 finely chopped shallot

Preparation: Wash the potatoes, cook them in their skins, and drain. Whisk the quark with yogurt and chives until smooth, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange on plates, serve with the jacket potatoes, and drizzle generously with linseed oil over the quark. Serve immediately.

Recipe: Beetroot salad with walnut and linseed oil

Ingredients for 2 people:

• 500 g pre-cooked beetroot
• 50 g walnut kernels, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp linseed oil
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt, pepper
• Fresh parsley

Preparation: Peel the beetroot and cut into cubes. Mix a marinade from vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper, and whisk in the linseed oil. Pour over the beetroot and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Serve sprinkled with walnuts and parsley.

Recipe: Linseed oil yogurt with honey and berries

Ingredients for 1 person:

• 200 g natural yogurt
• 1 tbsp linseed oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 handful of seasonal berries
• 2 tbsp toasted oats

Preparation: Stir the yogurt with linseed oil and honey. Sprinkle with berries and oats. Eat immediately.

Recipe: Winter salad with apple and linseed oil

Ingredients for 2 people:

• 200 g lamb's lettuce
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 50 g walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp linseed oil, 1 tsp mustard, salt, pepper

Preparation: Whisk a vinaigrette from vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper, and slowly incorporate the linseed oil. Drizzle over the lamb's lettuce, apple slices, and nuts. Serve immediately.

Tips for handling linseed oil

• Always use cold, never heat
• Store an opened bottle in the refrigerator
• Use within 4-6 weeks
• Check the pressing date — the fresher, the better
• Ideally, drizzle over the dish immediately before serving