The main difference between golden and brown flaxseed is that golden flaxseeds have more polyunsaturated fatty acids, less monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants than brown flaxseeds.
Flaxseeds or linseeds come from the flax plants, which are the plants we use to manufacture linen textiles . There are two main varieties of flaxseeds: golden and brown. But the difference between golden and brown flaxseed is minimal.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Flaxseeds (or Linseeds)
– Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Brown Flaxseed
– Definition, Features
3. What is Golden Flaxseed
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Golden and Brown Flaxseed
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Golden Flaxseeds, Brown Flaxseeds, Flaxseeds
What are Flaxseeds (or Linseeds)
Flaxseeds are the seeds of the flax plants, which also give us linen. They are also known as linseed. They are small, smooth seeds that are either brown or golden/yellow in color. Moreover, they have a nutty taste and are full of nutrients, including carbs, fat, and fiber. Flaxseeds are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid. They are known to have several health benefits related to digestion, weight management, lowering cholesterol levels, and cancer management.
Flaxseeds can be eaten on their own or can be crushed and pressed to make oil known as linseed oil. For many years, flaxseeds were used to make bread and cereals. But in modern cuisine, they are used for various health foods like granola bars, smoothies, pesto, and salad toppings.
Flaxseeds are available in both seed form and ground form. In addition, it’s also available as an oil. However, oil and powder forms have a shorter shelf life than seeds. Moreover, there are two main varieties of flaxseeds: golden and brown. But the difference between these two varieties is minimal.
What are Brown Flaxseeds
As their name suggests, brown flaxseeds are dark brown in color. They are oblong seeds with a length of about 3/16 inches. They have a nutty flavor and add a crunchy texture to food. When we compare them with golden flaxseeds, they have a bolder and more toasty taste.
Brown flaxseeds are made up of 38% fat, 28% carbohydrates, and 24.5% protein. These seeds are rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, brown seeds have a higher antioxidant content than golden seeds. Moreover, brown flaxseeds are easier to find as they are available in more stores.
What are Golden Flaxseeds
Golden flaxseeds are golden or yellow in color. They have a light, buttery flavor. When we compare them with brown flaxseeds, they are slightly sweeter in taste. These seeds are made up of about 37% fat, 30% carbohydrates, and 23% protein.
When we compare golden flaxseeds and brown flaxseeds in terms of their fatty acid content, golden seeds have less monounsaturated fatty acids and more polyunsaturated fatty acids than the brown variety. Moreover, golden flaxseeds have a lower antioxidant content than brown flaxseeds. In fact, they have the lowest antioxidant content when compared to similar seeds.
Difference Between Golden and Brown Flaxseed
Definition
Brown flaxseeds are brown, oblong seeds with a length of about 3/16 inches while golden flaxseeds are tan/yellow/gold seeds with a length of about 3/16 inches.
Taste
Golden flaxseeds have a light, buttery, slightly sweet flavor while brown flaxseeds have a bolder and more toasty taste.
Nutrient Content
Golden flaxseeds are made up of about 37% fat, 30% carbohydrates, and 23% protein, while brown flaxseeds are made up of 38% fat, 28% carbohydrates, and 24.5% protein.
Antioxidants
Moreover, golden flaxseeds have a lower antioxidant content than brown flaxseeds.
Fatty Acids
Golden flaxseeds have less monounsaturated fatty acids and more polyunsaturated fatty acids than brown seeds.
Conclusion
The main difference between golden and brown flaxseed is that golden flaxseeds have more polyunsaturated fatty acids, less monounsaturated fatty acids, and less antioxidants than brown flaxseeds. However, it’s important to note that this difference is minimal.
Reference:
1. “Brown Flaxseed.” Woodlandfoods.
2. Covington, Linnea. “What Is Flaxseed?” The Spruce Eats.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Flax seeds in a wooden bowl” (CC BY 2.0) Marco Verch Professional Photographer
2. “Golden Flax Seeds (8593210803)” By Veganbaking.net from USA – Golden Flax Seeds (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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