Linseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant (*Linum usitatissimum*), has been valued since ancient times for its use in food, medicine, and as a drying oil in paints and varnishes. Historically, flax cultivation began in the Fertile Crescent, spreading through ancient Egypt, where linseed oil was used in mummification and as a base for paints. By the Middle Ages, flax and linseed oil production had spread across Europe, especially in regions like Russia and the Baltic states. Today, the top producers of linseed oil are Canada, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, and India, with Canada leading global production due to its vast prairies and modern agricultural techniques. These countries benefit from suitable climates and established flax industries, ensuring a steady supply of linseed oil for both industrial and culinary uses worldwide.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 227,054 |
| 2 | Belgium | 118,400 |
| 3 | United States of America | 78,400 |
| 4 | Germany | 48,400 |
| 5 | India | 41,300 |
| 6 | Russia | 35,196 |
| 7 | Ethiopia | 28,600 |
| 8 | Kazakhstan | 28,258 |
| 9 | Poland | 16,709 |
| 10 | Afghanistan | 15,983 |
| 11 | Canada | 14,000 |
| 12 | Italy | 12,800 |
| 13 | France | 10,200 |
| 14 | United Kingdom | 7,900 |
| 15 | Egypt | 5,400 |
| 16 | Australia | 3,800 |
| 17 | Nepal | 3,165 |
| 18 | Ukraine | 2,600 |
| 19.5 | Brazil | 2,300 |
| 19.5 | Turkey | 2,300 |
| 21 | Denmark | 2,266 |
| 22.5 | Austria | 2,000 |
| 22.5 | Bangladesh | 2,000 |
| 24 | Spain | 1,800 |
| 25 | Romania | 1,700 |
| 26 | Japan | 1,335 |
| 27 | Czechia | 1,300 |
| 28 | Uruguay | 1,292 |
| 29 | China Taiwan | 1,254 |
| 30 | Chile | 1,052 |
| 31 | Tunisia | 1,034 |
| 32 | Switzerland | 1,000 |
Data from United Nations FAO Stat