:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__images__2015__03__20150320-cooking-olive-oil-vicky-wasik-3-3666952dafbb4a7ebacbe27d17f469bc.jpg "Cooking With Olive Oil? 3 Tips to Know")
Cooking oil is a sought-after cooking ingredient, which can be attributed to its various health benefits. While there are different oils available, olive oil is worth trying out. It will enhance your cooking experience, ensuring more delicious meals. You can use olive oil on almost any recipe and enjoy yummy food in every serving!
Are you cooking with olive oil, and unsure of the do’s and don’ts? Here are things to know when using olive oil for cooking;
1.Know the different types of olive oil
Olive oil comes in distinct varieties. But all come from olives and contain no chemicals or additives. The grading varieties vary, and the types available include;
- Extra virgin oil
- Virgin olive oil
- Regular olive oil
The oil is made from pure olives; extra virgin oil comes from the first cold processing of the olives and is the finest grade. It features a fruity taste with a tad bitter feel. Extra virgin oil has a mild flavor with a higher acidity level.
Regular virgin oil combines virgin olive oil and refined olive oil. It has a less fuller taste and is less tasty than extra virgin oil. It’s best to choose what suits your recipe and enjoy the healthy benefits of cooking using this nutritious ingredient. You will also get infused olive oil in the market. This may be infused with garlic or other ingredients to enhance its nutritional value.
2.Check the smoke point of your oil
All olive oils have varying smoke points, and understanding this helps in picking what suits our type of cooking. The smoke point is the point where the oil stops heating and starts smoking. This mostly depends on the harvesting and processing method used. Smoking oil can leave an undesirable smell in your kitchen, and you want to avoid this.
Moreover, the smoke smell will infuse your food, and affect the flavor.
Extra virgin oil has a smoking point of about 375°F (191°C), which is relatively low. The best way to use the oil is for dips and dressings. You can also drizzle the oil over a hot plate of steamed vegetables.
Regular virgin oil has a very high smoke point compared to other olive oil varieties. Its smoke point is around 410°F (210°C), making the oil an excellent choice for cooking and frying.
Other tips to know:
- No matter the smoke point of your olive oil, use medium heat when cooking.
- Use the right amount of oil; be moderate. Don’t use so much oil, which will make your food mushy.
- Use the right type of olive oil for your recipe.
- Consider adding the olive oil at the last stage of when your food is already cooked. Doing this preserves the flavor and nutrition. For instance, drizzle drops of olive oil to your vegetables after stirring them, then serve.
- Store your oil right in a cool, dark place.
In summary, olive oil is an essential cooking ingredient for everyone who values healthy meals. It’s favorite among many and comon in most modern kitchens due to its health benefits and delicious taste. If you have never tried cooking with olive oil, acquire it from an accredited store and enjoy healthy and tastier dishes!
