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Chantal's Diary - December 2025 Edition
Camelina in winter: how it survives the Quebec cold By Chantal, founder of Signé Caméline Discover how the camelina protects itself during the Quebec winter and why snow is its best ally. When the cold weather sets in in Quebec, our crops face extreme conditions. Camelina, a hardy plant prized for its oils, has a natural strategy for surviving the winter: dormancy. But how does it work? And what are the risks in the event of intense cold? Winter isn't always mild… and I'm going to explain why. When the cold sets in The camelina plant enters dormancy to protect itself and await spring. This mechanism slows its metabolism and allows it to conserve energy until the return of warmer weather. Its best ally: snow A blanket of snow and normal temperatures? That's exactly what camelina needs to survive the winter safely. The snow acts as a natural insulator and protects the roots from sudden temperature changes. When I see our fields covered in snow, I know the camelina is well protected. Beware of extreme cold Several consecutive days at -30°C can be damaging to crops. Normal temperatures are expected for southern Quebec this winter. What is camelina? Camelina (Camelina sativa) is an oilseed plant cultivated for over 3,000 years in Europe. Rediscovered for its exceptional qualities, it adapts perfectly to the Quebec climate. This hardy plant produces oil-rich seeds, renowned for their high omega-3 content and antioxidant properties. And the best part? It requires little water and little fertilizer. A true champion of sustainable agriculture. The benefits of camelina oil 1. Cardiovascular health Rich in omega-3 (35-40%), camelina oil contributes to heart health and helps reduce inflammation. 2. Natural Antioxidants Its high content of vitamin E and tocopherols protects cells against oxidative stress. 3. Skin care Used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and regenerating properties, ideal for sensitive skin. 4. Ecological Culture Requires little water and fertilizer, resists disease and improves soil structure. The camelina cycle in Quebec Autumn — Sowing We sow before the frost so that the roots can establish themselves. Winter — Dormancy Under the snow, she sleeps, protected. Spring — Growth As soon as the thaw begins, the camelina resumes its growth rapidly. It flowers in May-June with pretty pale yellow flowers. Summer — Harvest In July, these golden seeds, dried in the field, are harvested, ready to become an exceptional oil. Each pod contains precious seeds, brimming with beneficial properties, ready for extraction. My tips for a successful winter • Sowing at the right time — Sow 4-6 weeks before frost to allow for good root development. • Adequate drainage — Avoid poorly drained soils where stagnant water can freeze and damage roots. • Snow cover — Snow acts as a natural insulator. A minimum of 10-15 cm effectively protects plants. • Monitor the thaw — Repeated freeze-thaw cycles in spring can be more damaging than constant cold. Camelina is a resilient and sustainable crop that provides us with an oil of exceptional benefits. Its cycle is simple yet fascinating: sowing in autumn, dormancy in winter, growth in spring, and harvest in summer. And every step counts. We're hoping for a normal winter in southern Quebec. The camelina itself has indeed gone dormant with this light dusting of snow. Happy start to winter! Chantal xx #SustainableAgriculture #SignedCaméline #QuebecWinter #Omega3 #LocalProduce #OrganicFarming
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Cooking with camelina: ideas and recipes from Mélanie Germain
When Mélanie introduced camelina into her cooking, she didn't expect such a strong reaction. Between the omega-3 rich oil, the texture of the seeds, and the famous butter oil, she quickly adopted camelina from steak to dessert. In this article, we gather her impressions, her favorite recipes and the reasons why camelina has definitely earned its place in her pantry.
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Chantal's Diary - November 2025 Edition
Signed Caméline: Women's Leadership and Sustainable Food By Chantal, founder of Signé Caméline A royal invitation for a sustainable mission With my daughter Émilie, I had the immense honor of participating in the 4th edition of the World Summit of Women in AgriTech , in Belgium. The theme: "Consuming differently through biological and technological innovation ." An inspiring event bringing together women from 42 countries and 4 continents . “Dear Madam President, we have the honor of inviting you to participate as a panelist and exhibitor at the World Summit of Women in AgriTech , in the presence of the royal family of Ligne La Trémoille of Belgium.” — Prince Edward Lamoral We even had the privilege of inviting Prince Edward and Princess Isabella to our Quebec fields, accompanied by their children. They told me they loved Quebec ! Women who are changing the world This summit provided an opportunity to meet women committed to transforming the way we eat, while respecting nature and our planet. These agricultural entrepreneurs, often from developing communities, combine ancestral knowledge and innovation to create healthy and sustainable food. They support their community, share their knowledge, and creatively promote the land's bounty. Their journeys are a source of inspiration and resilience. "By valuing innovation led by women, seeds are sown for a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable future." Leaders in the spotlight Among the personalities present: David Clarinval , Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Anne-Catherine Dalcq , Walloon Minister of Agriculture A minister from Ivory Coast The president of the Georgia Farmers Association The Brazilian ambassador The president of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce “Promoting and supporting women entrepreneurs in these sectors is essential. They have a role to play in sustainable development.” — Béatrice Delfin Diaz, FCE-VVB Belgium Sign Cameline : innovation and mission For Signé Caméline , this summit opened up new contacts and projects. Our mission: to nourish people healthily with omega-3s sourced from our Quebec lands , all over the world. Women are more inclined to work in biodiversity and produce healthy food. That's exactly what we're doing with camelina: a product that respects the earth, aligned with the values of sustainable development. A gala to end in style The summit concluded with a gala. Last year, I had the honor of receiving the AgriTech Excellence Award . This recognition encourages me to pursue our mission with passion and determination. Discover the products and items Sign Camelina Our camelina oils: Oils, sauce and seeds – Signed Camelina Read our other blog posts : Blog – Signed Caméline To learn more about the event Women in AgriTech Women in Agritech & Organic Farming: When Women Take Control of Organic Agriculture to Develop It - L-Post Antoing: The unlikely world summit of agritech at Your Nature Chantal xxx
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5 facts about the camelina
Also known as false flax or German sesame, camelina has been cultivated for over 3,000 years. Used to produce oil and feed livestock, this plant is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to its exceptional nutritional qualities. Here are five surprising facts about this ancient plant.
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Chantal's Journal - October 2025 Edition
In our fields in Quebec, camelina was planted by drone! Sown in the fall of 2025 and harvested in the spring of 2026, the camelina seeds are precisely dropped from the belly of the drone above our field plots .
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What is camelina?
Camelina is a plant that remains relatively unknown, but it deserves our full attention. Ancient, hardy, and perfectly adapted to our soils, it represents a promising agricultural resource for the future. Discover 7 essential facts about it!
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Chantal's Journal – September 2025 Edition
At Signé Caméline, we see camelina cultivation as a real revolution in our fields with our summer and winter cultivation. Towards the end of autumn, we prepare to sow winter camelina. This means that the seeds will germinate in the fields, then fall dormant with the frost. They " will sleep » all winter to wake up as soon as spring arrives.
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Testimony from our spokesperson Violaine
" With camelina meal and camelina oil, my mare shines like a gold ingot and has gained muscle during her training. I'm really impressed by the performance of this combination in supporting young horses!
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From our fields to your plate - August 2025 edition
A new crop in the fields! This summer, at Signé Caméline, we're sowing innovation... and a little indulgence too! With the release of our buttery camelina oil, our popcorn consumption continues to grow! So, a completely natural idea has emerged, find out which one!
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