Due to its antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, cooking with olive oil has many advantages. The best olive oil for cooking is often considered to be extra virgin. It is suited for low to medium-heat cooking methods like sautéing and light frying because of its rich flavor, low acidity, and nutritional content. However, due to their higher smoke values, refined or pure olive oil may be more suitable for high-heat cooking. Using olive oil in your cooking can improve the flavor and nutritional content of your meals.
Tips to use olive oil
Incorporating these different types of olive oil into your cooking can greatly enhance the flavor and quality of your dishes. Here are some tips to make the most of each type:
- For salad dressings,dipping sauce, or drizzling over finished dishes, choose the premium flavors of extra-virgin olive oil.
- When baking, sautéing, or making delicate sauces, use virgin olive oil to add a delicate olive flavor.
- You should always use refined olive oil for frying, deep-frying, and high-heat cooking due to its high smoke point.
- Pure olive oil strikes a balance between mild flavor and a higher smoke point, making it versatile for various cooking methods.
- For foods that must be cooked at high temperatures, like those that require deep-frying or searing, olive pomace oil is ideal.
So, you now know what kind of cooking calls for what kind of olive oil. Try it now!
