History of flaxseed

The Latin name of the flaxseed is Linum usitatissimum, which means “very useful”. Early records show that it has been grown since the beginning of civilization, and people all over the world have celebrated its usefulness throughout the ages.

Flaxseed, of Mesopotamic origin, has been cultivated since 5000 BC. It used in Egypt to wrap mummies while Jewish high priests of the Old Testament wore garments made from flax.

History also reveals that Babylonians cultivated flaxseed as early as 3000 B.C. and their burial chambers depict flax cultivation and clothing from flax fibers.

It also was being used until the 1990s principally for the fabrication of cloths and papers. Flax was first introduced in United States by colonists, primarily to produce fiber for clothing.

Before World War II flaxseed had been commonly used as food and it was forgotten until its comeback in the 1990s.
History of flaxseed