Best Frying Oil: What You Should Know
What is the best frying oil? Is sunflower or olive better? There are great myths around this theme that leads many people to think that extra virgin olive oil is not good for fried foods. But nothing is further from reality! We can not only enjoy their Raw properties, but is also the most Recommended by experts and institutions such as the Spanish Heart Foundation. Would you like to know more about how to use EVOO in fried foods? Let’s start!
What is the best frying oil?
The most recommended oil for frying is extra virgin olive oil. In fact, health experts recommend it above any other vegetable oil, such as sunflower oil. One of the most powerful reasons is that it resists high temperatures well, up to approximately 180-210 degrees. But it is not the only one.
A team of scientists from the University of Granada recently demonstrated that EVOO frying is “the technique that produces the greatest associated increases in phenols, antioxidants whose consumption prevents chronic degenerative pathologies such as cancer, diabetes or macular degeneration”. That is, a transfer of phenols typical of extra virgin olive oil to vegetables, which enriches those phenolic compounds typical of the oil, is produced.
Although other oils such as refined sunflower oil or refined olive oil can reach higher temperatures than olive oil, it is necessary to emphasize that EVOO is natural olive juice and its organoleptic qualities and health benefits far outweigh any REFINED.
and a last point for frying with olive oil. It is best to use an olive oil with a mild flavor., with the aim that liquid gold does not take over the flavor of the dish, but enhances it. In this sense, we recommend varieties such as IMPLERT and Arbequina, balanced and perfect for frying.
What is the best oil for frying potatoes?
In the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is considered the best for fries. Its flavor is much more intense than that of other vegetable oils, so it is the favorite for the fries of the most sophisticated restaurants and the most demanding palates.
However, as it is necessary to use a large amount of EVOO to fry potatoes, we remember that we can use the extra virgin olive oil two or three more times, but being very sure that it has not smoked or that it is darkened, because then you will have to discard it.
Obviously, EVOO is usually more expensive than sunflower oil and other vegetable oils, as well as refined olive oil. But, indeed, if you are one of those who prefers to prioritize health and quality compared to the price, The best option for fried foods and stews is the bottle format, which allows to obtain a cheaper price for a top quality oil. orBeloleum Empeltre is now also available in 5-liter bottles!
Tips for frying properly with olive oil
- The temperature of the olive oil in the fried foods should not exceed 180ºC. If the temperature is excessively high, you will have to dispose of that oil.
- Do not mix used oil with new oil.
- Do not mix olive oil with any other vegetable oil, such as sunflower oil.
- Use a sufficient amount of oil to cover the food in the fried foods.
And you, are you also one of those who uses extra virgin olive oil for all your dishes? So, we recommend our article on the Different uses of olive oil. And enjoy it on all your dishes!
Latest Posts on Olive Oil
Fasting olive oil: everything you need to know
5 gourmet homemade burger recipes
How to optimize olive nutrition?