Oilseed crops are plants grown primarily for their seeds, which are rich in oil. Common examples include soybeans, sunflower seeds, canola, and peanuts. These crops are cultivated for their oil, which is extracted and used in cooking, food processing, and industrial applications. The oil extracted from these seeds is often high in healthy fats and is a key ingredient in many products.
In addition to oil production, oilseed crops also provide valuable protein meals as by-products after oil extraction. These meals are commonly used as animal feed, contributing to livestock nutrition. The cultivation of oilseed crops plays a significant role in global agriculture and food supply chains.