Which of the following is the plant source of linseed oil?

• A. Flax
• B. Safflower
• C. Pine nuts
• D. Olive

Answer: (A)

The source of linseed oil is flax, which is derived from the seeds of the flax plant, known scientifically as Linum usitatissimum. Linseed oil is extracted from the seeds through a process called cold-pressing or solvent extraction. This oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, making it valuable not only in culinary applications but also in industrial uses, such as wood finishing and paints.

Flax has been cultivated for thousands of years and is known for its nutritional benefits, including the presence of dietary fiber and lignans, which contribute to its health-promoting properties. In contrast, the other options—safflower, pine nuts, and olive—are associated with different oils (such as safflower oil, pine nut oil, and olive oil) and do not produce linseed oil. Therefore, flax is uniquely identified as the correct and sole source of linseed oil.