by Choosing the right cooking oil is crucial for both taste and health. Olive oil stands out as a choice because of its monounsaturated fats and heart-healthy antioxidants. It is, however, ideal for cooking over low to medium heat due to its rich flavor and nutritional content. There are several types of olive oils that can be used for different cooking methods. Therefore, you should also be aware of the proper type to use before using olive oil.
Types of olive oils for cooking
Here are 5 types of olive oils that can be used for cooking. Also find out which type is best for you:
1. Extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is considered to be of the highest quality, produced by pressing olives without any chemical treatment. It has a rich flavor, low acidity and a vibrant green color. It is perfect for giving the final touch to cooked dishes and for dressing salads thanks to its powerful flavor and enticing aroma. It works best for low to medium heat cooking methods like sautéing or light frying due to its low smoke point.
2. Virgin olive oil
Similar to the extra virgin variety, virgin olive oil is also extracted without the use of chemicals but may have a slightly higher level of acidity. Since it has a milder flavor profile than extra virgin, it is suitable for meals where you want the flavor of olive oil but not too strong. Virgin olive oil can be used for sautéing vegetables over medium heat, baking and marinating foods.
3. Refined olive oil
The process of refining olive oil removes contaminants and reduces acidity. Compared to extra virgin and virgin olive oils, this gives a more neutral flavor and a higher smoke point. Refined olive oil can be used for frying, frying and other high temperature cooking methods because it can withstand higher temperatures. It’s a fantastic alternative for recipes when you don’t want the olive oil flavor dominating, like in some baked goods.
4. Pure olive oil
Pure olive oil, often called light or classic olive oil, is a mixture of refined olive oil and a small amount of extra virgin or virgin olive oil. This blend seeks to strike a balance between a smoother flavor and a higher smoke point. It’s a versatile choice for regular cooking, such as grilling, roasting, and stir-frying, where the flavor of olive oil won’t overpower the food. But keep in mind that the refining method used to produce this oil can potentially accelerate the breakdown of antioxidants and other healthy ingredients in olive oil. It is therefore less healthy than extra virgin olive oil.
5. Olive pomace oil
Olive pomace oil is the most processed type of olive oil and is produced by pressing olives and then extracting them using heat and solvents. It is suitable for baking and frying at high temperatures due to its higher smoke point and bland flavor. However, it lacks the distinctive characteristics of extra virgin or virgin olive oil, which may limit its use in dishes where olive oil flavor is an important element.
Is the use of olive oil beneficial?
Due to its antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, cooking with olive oil has many benefits. The best olive oil for cooking is often considered to be extra virgin. It is suitable for low to medium heat cooking methods like stir-frying and light frying due to 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 temperature cooking. Using olive oil in your cooking can improve the flavor and nutritional content of your meals.
Tips for using 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 for getting the most out of each type:
- For dressings, dips or to drizzle over finished dishes, choose the premium flavors of extra virgin olive oil.
- When cooking, sautéing or preparing delicate sauces, use virgin olive oil to add a delicate olive flavor.
- You should always use refined olive oil for frying, frying and high heat cooking due to its high smoke point.
- Pure olive oil offers a balance of mild flavor and higher smoke point, making it versatile for various cooking methods.
- For foods that need to be cooked at high heat, such as those that need to be fried or seared, olive pomace oil is ideal.
So, now you know which type of cooking requires which type of olive oil. Try it now!
