Canola (Brassica napus) is an oilseed crop belonging to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustard, cabbage, and broccoli. It was developed in Canada in the 1970s through selective breeding of rapeseed to reduce levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates, compounds that made traditional rapeseed oil less suitable for human consumption. The name "canola" is derived from "Canadian oil, low acid," reflecting its origin and improved properties.