Festival of Yellow

The Festival of Yellow, celebrating the canola fields

Celebrating the joy canola fields + canola oil
bring; proudly local and healthier
 
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The Festival of Yellow, celebrating the canola fields

10+ roadtrips to see canola fields. Plus getaway giveaway

Last updated: Monday, 14 August 2023

CapeTownMagazine.com Festival of Yellow, now in its third consecutive year, celebrates canola season, the blooming fields of gold that cover the province from July to September.

They are such a moment of joy in the Western Cape, that we decided to start an annual celebration in 2021, so that every winter to spring you know where to see them. 

And to tell you why these fields are a Western Cape success story. This year’s Festival of Yellow is again supported by B-well, who are giving away hampers and a two-night getaway. Here are some things you didn’t know about canola. 


The bright yellow landscapes that stretch from Swartland to Overberg and the Southern Cape. Image: @marlizest

CANOLA FIELDS PRODUCE COOKING OIL

The yellow flowers carry a little brown seed that helps agriculture flourish in the Western Cape – the crop that produces canola oil. After blooming into fields of gold, the flowers drop off and leave seed pods behind, which are pressed and then produced into oil. B-well uses these oils to produce healthier cooking oils, mayos, sprays and more. 


The canola fields are also a local agricultural success story. Image: @radzphotography

IT’S A WESTERN CAPE SUCCESS STORY

How was the industry born? Southern Oil, an oil extraction plant in Swellendam, introduced canola crops to farmers in 1993 with just 400 hectares. Today it is an industry of 94 307 hectares, working with over 500 local canola producers, and employing thousands across the Western Cape – this is a story every South African can be proud of. 


Southern Oil began producing for retail in 1996. Image: B-well

CANOLA OIL HEALTH BENEFITS 

In 2010 Southern Oil launched B-well, whose mission is to give consumers a healthier alternative to oil-based products. B-well produces a range of canola products, from cooking oils and baking sprays to mayonnaise. The products keep growing in popularity because B-well canola oil is naturally cholesterol-free, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking oils according to CANSA

Canola oil is surprisingly versatile, too, says B-well. It has a high smoking point (around 200 degrees Celsius), and because of its neutral flavour can be used as a substitute for hard fats in baking, according to their feature on how canola oil benefits your health.


B-well has established itself as a premium brand offering consumers healthier alternative oil-based products. Image: B-well

CHOLESTEROL-FREE, HIGH IN OMEGA 3

B-well canola oil is of such a superior nature that CANSA has recognised the product as a “smart choice”, as it’s grown from non-GMO seeds, very high in Omega 3, naturally cholesterol free and has the lowest saturated fat content of any cooking oil (approximately 7% lower than normal cooking oil), according to CANSA. It also has the Heart Mark as approved by the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Products like the B-well mayo, which is totally egg, dairy and gluten free, give individuals with food allergies or vegans a diet-friendly alternative. It’s a great example of the health benefits in B-well products. There’s also a bunch of interesting options to choose from, like Garlicnaise, Chillinaise and Lemonaise. 


B-well is the only cooking oil that carries both the Heart Mark and an endorsement from CANSA. Image: @renaldo_17

YOU COULD WIN A HAMPER + GETAWAY

Join the celebration by entering our giveaway on our Instagram and Facebook feeds (see below) and resharing your favourite Festival of Yellow images using #capetownmag and #festivalofyellow. 

Prizes up for grabs: 

  • 2 night stay for two people at the Oil Mill in Swellendam
  • 5x @bwellfoods hampers (cooking products sorted)
  • 10x R500 Voucher by @NiftyPosters AND R300 Voucher by @Nifty250
  • 50% off vouchers from @nifty250 for ALL entries

Enter:

T&Cs: 

  • Prize(s) are non-transferable⁠
  • Giveaway closes Sunday, 3 September 2023
  • Winners announced Friday, 8 September 2023 

CANOLA STARTS TO BLOOM FROM WINTER 

The canola fields bloom from July to the end of September. It’s weather dependent, so if it’s warmer and drier, the canola will go into bloom earlier and for a shorter period of time. The longer the canolas bloom, the better the yield. So if you’re still seeing canolas bloom late September, then know it’s a good canola year. 


The fields of gold are a major attraction during spring flower season. Image: @wherethelight_is

THERE’S 10+ PLACES TO ROADTRIP TO CANOLA FIELDS

AREA

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Elgin

Drive past this popular padstal in Grabouw and pop into this hidden bookstore.

Darling

Visit this San cultural education centre and nature reserve in Yzerfontein.

Onrus

Discover the Overberg’s best kept secret, located on a lagoon

Contermanskloof

Drive past Durbanville and go on a picnic or taste wine in a cave

R44 (between Wellington + Tulbagh)

Grab a coffee and a boerie roll at this coffee shop in the middle of nowhere

Caledon

Take a drive to Hermanus and dine al fresco with cocktails by the sea.

Tulbagh

If you’re travelling on a warm day, take a hike to this tidal pool near Tulbagh.

Arniston

Explore this seaside cave in Arniston + more caves worth exploring.

Genadendal

Discover this countryside restaurant in McGregor + more new places.

Botrivier

Taste wine with a never-ending view of vineyards (kid + dog friendly, too).

Citrusdal

Stay in a fairytale tent or cabin with jacuzzis at this magical retreat

Philadelphia

If you’re travelling over the weekend, you could eat at this topsy-turvy mill


Look out for our daily Festival of Yellow posts on instagram, and tag your post #festivalofyellow and #capetownmag. Image: @kyleincpt

GET IN TOUCH WITH B-WELL 

Find B-well: Koringland Street | Industrial Area | Swellendam
Contact Bwell on: 028 514 3441, info@bwellfoods.co.za, @bwellfoods 

By Lara van Zyl

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DISCOVER MORE OF THE WESTERN CAPE

See 45 local products at the Made in the Cape Market.

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Check out the ultimate Cape Town bucket list.

Discover 7+ things to do this weekend.

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